The vice-presidential election of 2025 became a turning point for the INDIA bloc, as it witnessed an unusual display of unity among otherwise divided Opposition parties. For weeks during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, leaders of the alliance stood shoulder-to-shoulder, strategized collectively, and even campaigned side by side for a common candidate. At the heart of this symbolic unity was the selection of former Justice Sudershan Reddy as the Opposition’s vice-presidential nominee. For once, the bloc projected itself as a cohesive political force determined to challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Yet, beneath the surface of this newfound camaraderie lay cracks that were difficult to ignore. The INDIA bloc itself is made up of contradictory partners with diverse political compulsions and regional priorities, making it inherently fragile.

The Unusual Unity During the VP Poll

During the Monsoon Session, the Opposition showed rare coordination. Parties worked on joint strategies inside and outside Parliament, held combined press conferences, and protested together on the streets. The choice of Sudershan Reddy was deliberately presented not as the INDIA bloc’s candidate but as the “Opposition candidate”, a subtle move aimed at broadening support beyond formal alliance partners.

This change in terminology allowed parties like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had earlier walked out of the bloc, to lend support without formally rejoining. The image of Arvind Kejriwal standing with Congress leaders in support of the candidate reflected the bloc’s ability to temporarily bridge deep divides.

TMC’s Aggressive Role

Among all players, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) under Mamata Banerjee emerged as the most aggressive force. With the West Bengal Assembly elections just months away, the TMC sharpened its attacks on the BJP, staged repeated protests, and employed cultural forms of resistance—such as singing works of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam in Parliament.

The TMC also ensured that the vice-presidential election strategy revolved around consensus. Unlike in 2022, when the party abstained after accusing Congress of sidelining it during the selection of Margaret Alva, this time Banerjee insisted on a non-political candidate with a record of public service. The party positioned itself not just as a participant but as a driver of the Opposition agenda.

Friction Between Congress and TMC

Despite the cooperative front, tensions remained. A consensus had been reached within the bloc that no one would interrupt the Home Minister’s presentation of key bills. However, when Congress MP Manish Tewari objected, the TMC was visibly annoyed and chose silence inside the House. Instead, it raised objections outside, alleging manhandling of its MPs like Mitali Beg and Shatabdi Roy, along with jostling of Abu Taher Khan.

This divergence in strategy highlighted the fragile trust between Congress and TMC. The fact that these parties, once not even on speaking terms, were now coordinating marked progress—but it also underlined how easily the alliance could fracture.

AAP’s Strategic Re-entry

The AAP’s decision to back Sudershan Reddy was another significant moment. Having distanced itself from the bloc earlier, its symbolic participation gave the Opposition a broader appeal. However, this was more a tactical choice than a commitment to long-term unity. Whether AAP remains engaged with the INDIA bloc in future battles remains uncertain.

The Road Ahead

Now that Parliament has adjourned and the vice-presidential election will soon be behind them, the real challenge for the INDIA bloc is sustaining unity. The Congress and TMC, after months of hostility, have come closer, but their uneasy history raises questions about how long this cooperation can last.

For the TMC, the primary focus remains West Bengal, where it seeks to further marginalize the BJP. For the Congress, the goal is national revival. For AAP, it is survival and expansion in selective states. These conflicting priorities mean that unity in one moment may not translate into sustained coordination.

Conclusion

The vice-presidential poll has temporarily brought the INDIA bloc together, offering the Opposition an image of strength. But as the dust settles, fissures between Congress, TMC, and AAP could reappear, threatening the fragile foundation of the alliance. With crucial state elections on the horizon and the 2029 general elections in the long view, the bloc’s challenge is not in coming together for symbolic victories but in staying united for the long haul.

For now, the INDIA bloc has walked a long way from its days of silence and boycotts. Yet the essential question remains—how long will this uneasy unity last?

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Anlon Healthcare, NIS Management, Sattva Engineering Construction, Globtier Infotech, Current Infraprojects, Anondita Medicare, Classic Electrodes (India), Vikran Engineering, Shivashrit Foods.

The Current active IPO are ARC Insulation & Insulators, Mangal Electrical Industries, LGT Business Connextions, Vikram Solar, Gem Aromatics, Shreeji Shipping Global, Patel Retail.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.