BJP West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was compelled to attend the INDIA bloc meeting on June 8, 2026 [1].

The statement comes as the opposition attempts to maintain a united front against the BJP, while internal frictions and electoral losses create visible cracks in the alliance's stability.

The meeting took place at the Constitution Club in New Delhi [3]. According to reports, 23 parties were confirmed to attend the session [2]. However, the gathering was not unanimous, as the DMK skipped the meeting [4].

Ghosh characterized the political coalition as a facade. "The alliance is non-existent," Ghosh said [1]. He said that "Mamata Banerjee was forced to attend the INDIA bloc meeting" [1].

Ghosh attributed Banerjee's participation to recent political pressures. He said the Trinamool Congress's recent electoral loss and the perceived necessity of a united front against the BJP forced her to join the meeting [5].

The gathering in New Delhi serves as a critical juncture for the opposition as they plan their next moves. While the presence of the West Bengal Chief Minister suggests a level of cooperation, the absence of key players like the DMK highlights the ongoing challenges in coordinating a diverse set of regional interests.

“"The alliance is non-existent."”

The tension between the BJP and the INDIA bloc reflects a broader struggle for dominance in Indian politics. By framing Banerjee's attendance as a result of electoral failure rather than strategic alignment, the BJP seeks to undermine the perceived strength and voluntary nature of the opposition's unity. The absence of the DMK further suggests that the alliance remains fragile despite the high number of attending parties.