Protecting federalism must be the INDIA bloc’s ‘glue’

An analysis of the INDIA bloc in India suggests that shared opposition to the BJP, rather than the Congress party's influence, is the primary unifying force. The piece argues that fear of authoritarianism keeps the coalition together.
Why it matters
Understanding the internal dynamics of India's opposition coalition is essential for predicting the country's political future and electoral outcomes.
At the meeting on June 8, 2026, of political parties under the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc, in New Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah noted that the Congress party is the only party with a presence across all Indian States, whereas other parties are typically confined to one or two States. He argued, therefore, that the Congress is the only party that is capable of acting as the “glue” that holds the alliance together.
The analysis frames the BJP's conduct as 'unlawful and authoritarian,' reflecting a critical perspective on the ruling party.
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