Sanjay Raut Voices Concerns Over INDIA Bloc’s Lack Of Coordination Post-Lok Sabha Polls
Mumbai, 10th January 2025: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday voiced concerns regarding the INDIA bloc’s functioning, aligning with sentiments expressed by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah about the lack of coordination within the opposition alliance.
Speaking to reporters, Raut pointed out the absence of strategic meetings after the Lok Sabha elections to define the alliance’s future. He remarked, “We fought the Lok Sabha elections together with promising results. It was our collective responsibility, especially Congress’s, to keep the INDIA alliance active, hold discussions, and set the way forward. Unfortunately, not a single meeting has taken place since the Lok Sabha elections.”
Raut emphasized the growing discontent among alliance leaders, stating, “This situation is detrimental to the INDIA alliance. Leaders like Omar Abdullah, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, and Arvind Kejriwal have all raised concerns about the alliance’s lack of direction.” He further attributed the issues to Congress, adding, “If people perceive cracks within the alliance, the responsibility lies with the Congress. There is no coordination, discussion, or dialogue.”
Raut warned that the alliance’s disintegration could be irreversible, saying, “If the INDIA bloc collapses now, it may never come together again.”
His remarks followed National Conference leader Omar Abdullah’s call for clarity on the alliance, particularly amid tensions between Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections. Abdullah questioned the alliance’s purpose, stating, “If this was solely for the Lok Sabha elections, then it should be dissolved, and opposition parties should proceed independently.” He also urged stakeholders to convene for a meeting to clarify leadership, agenda, and the alliance’s continuity.
The INDIA bloc is currently facing internal strife, with Congress and AAP opting to contest the Delhi Assembly elections separately. The rivalry has intensified as Delhi Congress leaders criticized AAP’s decade-long governance, while AAP demanded an apology for Congress treasurer Ajay Maken’s remarks labelling Arvind Kejriwal “anti-national.”
Additionally, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan advocated for abandoning Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in favour of traditional ballot papers. Chavan argued, “While EVMs haven’t been conclusively proven faulty, their susceptibility to malfunction and manipulation cannot be dismissed,” citing Germany’s decision to revert to ballot papers as an example.
Delhi is set to hold Assembly elections on February 5, with the results scheduled to be declared on February 8.
