Leaders from the INDIA bloc gathered on August 7 at the residence of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. The meeting was convened amidst rising political tensions, prompted by alleged irregularities in the Bihar voter list revision, recent violence in Jammu and Kashmir, and growing criticism directed towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut detailed the key topics slated for discussion. According to Raut, the meeting was intended to delve into the specifics of Operation Sindoor, the Pahalgam attack, and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Bihar. The INDIA bloc has previously voiced concerns regarding the transparency and timing of this process, especially with the approaching state elections. KC Venugopal confirmed the bloc’s push for a parliamentary debate on the matter. Attendees included Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, LOP Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, National Conference President Farooq Abdullah, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, and TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah also participated in the crucial meeting. MNM chief and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan was also present. Congress MP Rajani Patil stated that the meeting addressed several critical issues, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in Bihar. She emphasized the need for serious attention to this matter, advocating for a thorough parliamentary discussion to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process. Congress MP Francis George shared that the INDIA bloc meeting involved a presentation by Rahul Gandhi on the SIR issue in Bihar, highlighting allegations of widespread rigging and malpractices during the last Lok Sabha elections, which resulted in a BJP majority. He added that the bloc intends to expose the BJP to the public.
