**Opposition INDIA Bloc to Address Key Issues in Upcoming Parliament Session**
The INDIA bloc, consisting of 24 opposition parties, is set to raise significant concerns during the Monsoon Session of Parliament starting July 21. Among the issues highlighted are the lack of justice for the Pahalgam terror attack, US President Donald Trump’s assertions of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and the opposition’s apprehensions regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, which they argue threatens voting rights.
In a virtual meeting prior to the session, senior leaders from the bloc discussed eight critical topics, including perceived failures in foreign policy, the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the delimitation process, and increasing violence against Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, and minorities. Congress’ deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, Pramod Tiwari, emphasized the expectation for the Prime Minister to address these pressing issues directly, stating, “Parliament is more important than travelling abroad.”
Additionally, Congress general secretary K C Venugopal reiterated the opposition’s commitment to restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and announced plans for an in-person meeting of the INDIA bloc in August to further strategize.
Notably, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a founding member of the alliance, did not participate in the meeting and has withdrawn from the bloc. Key opposition figures, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, were also absent. However, the meeting included prominent leaders such as Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and others.
The bloc expressed serious concerns regarding the government’s inaction following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, accusing it of failing to bring the attackers to justice. Tiwari labeled this as an intelligence failure and a matter of national honor. The opposition also intends to address “Operation Sindoor” and Trump’s claims of intervening in Indo-Pak tensions through trade pressure.
Concerns were raised about the Special Intensive Revision in Bihar, which opposition leaders argue is a covert attempt to disenfranchise voters, linking it to an “undeclared Emergency” and comparing it to “vote-bandi” following demonetization. Abhishek Banerjee remarked on the use of the Election Commission and Enforcement Directorate as tools for political maneuvering.
As the Monsoon Session approaches, the INDIA bloc is poised to challenge the government on these critical issues, aiming to hold it accountable and advocate for the rights of citizens.
**FAQ**
*What are the main issues the INDIA bloc plans to address in Parliament?*
The INDIA bloc aims to address the lack of justice for the Pahalgam terror attack, concerns over electoral roll revisions in Bihar, and failures in foreign policy, among other critical topics.