NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha MP and senior lawyer Kapil Sibal on Sunday urged the opposition INDIA bloc to present itself as a united front rather than appearing disjointed to the public.
In an interview with news agency PTI, Sibal highlighted the importance of establishing a formal framework with designated spokespersons, along with a unified policy direction and ideological foundation.
Speaking to PTI, Sibal said, “I think INDIA should appear to be a bloc and not un-bloc itself in the manner that it does in the public domain.” He stressed that the alliance must establish a unified stance on key national issues, stating, “Unless there are spokespersons of the bloc who represent its views, I don’t think this can move forward very effectively.”
On the need for a formal political structure, Sibal said he had long supported the idea but suggested that some alliance members may not find it agreeable or consider the timing inappropriate. “Obviously, either it is not something that is palatable to somebody or the other, or they feel this is not the appropriate time,” he noted.
Despite challenges, Sibal expressed optimism about the opposition’s future. “I see a future for the opposition. What form it takes, what structure it takes, we’ll see,” news agency PTI quoted him saying.
The INDIA alliance was formed to counter the BJP-led NDA ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
However, internal rifts—especially between the Congress and AAP—became evident during state polls, leading political commentators to argue that a lack of unity contributed to BJP’s recent electoral gains in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi.
Asked about the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which may be introduced in the Budget session, Sibal pointed to the NDA’s lack of a majority and the possible political implications. “Let us see what their position is. There are elections coming in Bihar, and if they introduce the bill, they may worry about its impact on the election process,” he observed, adding that legal options remain open if the bill is passed.
On the contentious delimitation issue, Sibal pointed out its serious implications for India’s political landscape. He noted Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin’s recent meeting on the matter, attended by several opposition representatives, including Congress leaders. However, he pointed out that delimitation cannot proceed without a new census. “First the census and then delimitation. So, ‘abhi Dilli door ast’,” he quipped.
A former Union minister in the UPA governments, Sibal left Congress in May 2022 and was elected to the Rajya Sabha as an Independent with Samajwadi Party’s support.