Opposition Alliance Criticizes Congress for Poor Coordination and Handling of Coalition Partners

NEW DELHI: Knives were out at the crucial meeting of the opposition INDIA alliance on Monday, where the Congress, the largest constituent of the bloc, came under sharp criticism from several allies over poor coordination and the party's approach towards the coalition partners. The Samajwadi Party (SP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), NCP (SP), National Conference (NC) and the Left parties raised strong objection to Congress's handling of the alliance partners, especially the DMK. According to sources present at the meeting, the main bone of contention was the absence of the DMK, with several leaders questioning why one of the alliance's most important constituents was not present. They also urged the Congress to take steps to bring the Dravidian party back into the fold. DMK boycotted the meeting, citing discontent of its cadres over the "betrayal" by the Congress after the grand old party chose to join the Vijay-led TVK government in Tamil Nadu. The sharpest criticism came from SP chief Akhilesh Yadav. Invited by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to speak first, Yadav did not mince words as he attacked Congress for its failure to coordinate effectively with allies at the state level. Raising the issue of the DMK's absence, Yadav said that as the largest party in the bloc, Congress should be "magnanimous" and display a "large heart" in dealing with allies. He reminded the meeting that there had been an understanding among alliance constituents that, wherever regional parties were strong, Congress would support them rather than compete with them. In a veiled reference to Congress's attacks on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Left parties in various states, Yadav said the opposition alliance must maintain a uniform position on issues such as the alleged misuse of central agencies by the BJP-led government. "From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the Congress must adopt the same position," he said, according to sources.