As INDIA Bloc meets today, CPI(M) letter set to be key talking point

In a June 5 communication, CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby wrote to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, flagging what the party describes as a “systematic campaign” by the Congress leadership during the Kerala Assembly elections. The letter lays out how senior Congress leaders repeatedly alleged that the CPI(M) had entered into a tacit understanding with the BJP, an accusation the left party has strongly rejected.

CPI(M) recalls ‘baseless’ allegations

The CPI(M) also pointed to statements by Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi against the party, arguing that these were not isolated remarks but part of a sustained political line. It also recalled the sharper claim that former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had an understanding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing the allegation as baseless and politically damaging.

Also read: Kerala CPI(M)’s moment of truth: Cadres speak, leadership under fire

For the CPI(M), the issue goes beyond campaign rhetoric. The letter frames these allegations as undermining the credibility of the INDIA Bloc itself. A coalition built on opposing the BJP, it argues, cannot sustain on internal accusations of collusion without eroding trust among its constituents. The party has also raised concerns over Congress leaders calling for central agency action against Vijayan, questioning whether such positions align with the bloc’s stated opposition to the misuse of institutions like the Enforcement Directorate.

Congress calls for unity

Significantly, the CPI(M) has chosen to raise these concerns within the alliance rather than from outside. The party has confirmed that John Brittas will attend Monday’s meeting, indicating that the letter is not merely a protest but an issue it intends to press in discussions.

Also read: INDIA Janbandhan meet today: Can Opposition bloc patch up the cracks?

The Congress, even as it prepares for the meeting, has sought to project a picture of unity. Responding to the broader unease within the bloc, party general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that 23 political parties have confirmed participation in the INDIA alliance meeting in Delhi. He added that those unable to attend have nonetheless conveyed their “strong opposition” to the Narendra Modi government’s policies.

Party downplays CPI(M)’s charges

At the same time, the Congress has downplayed the CPI(M)’s letter. Senior leader Rashid Alvi described such exchanges as part of the nature of electoral politics. “During elections, political parties speak against each other. In the West Bengal elections, did not Mamata or CPI(M) speak against us. That was the election. The election is over,” he said, urging parties to move past campaign rhetoric.

Alvi framed the present moment as one requiring a broader political focus, stressing that the priority is to defend the Constitution and the country. He also made a pointed appeal for opposition unity, suggesting that regional parties that have distanced themselves from the Congress would eventually need to return to a common platform.

Hurt allies

The meeting, however, is taking place amid visible signs of strain beyond the CPI(M)-Congress exchange. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has already announced that it will skip the meeting, calling the Congress’s decision to align with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Tamil Nadu a “betrayal.” The absence of a key southern ally adds to the perception of discord within the bloc.

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), another important constituent, is also learnt to be unhappy with the Congress unilaterally announcing its candidate for one of the two Rajya Sabha seats in Jharkhand. While the party has not formally broken ranks, its dissatisfaction reflects deeper concerns over consultation and coordination within the alliance.

Also read: Why Vijay’s ‘inclusive Cabinet’ could become a new headache for DMK

These developments come on top of a pattern of recurring tensions within the INDIA Bloc, with state-level rivalries and strategic disagreements frequently spilling into the national framework. The CPI(M)’s letter now adds a sharper political edge to these concerns, placing issues of political messaging and mutual trust squarely on the agenda.