The Congress party has announced that it is in touch with key Opposition allies, including the DMK, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Samajwadi Party (SP), ahead of the Monsoon session of Parliament. The party expressed confidence that the BJP-led government will not be able to secure the two-thirds majority required to pass important constitutional amendments.
Congress strategy meeting and coordination with allies
Addressing a press conference after a Congress strategy meeting chaired by Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, AICC general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the party's top leadership was coordinating with parties that had voted together to defeat the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on 17 April.
According to National Herald, Ramesh stated: "We are in touch with the DMK, we are in touch with the Aam Aadmi Party... We are in touch with the Samajwadi Party."
Confidence in blocking two-thirds majority
The Congress leader asserted that the BJP would not be able to muster the two-thirds majority needed in the Lok Sabha to push through constitutional amendments. This comes amid concerns among Opposition parties that the government may attempt to bring significant changes to the Constitution.
As reported by The Times of India, the Congress also accused the BJP of trying to split Opposition parties, but remained firm that the government would fall short of the required numbers.
Background of the constitutional amendment bill
The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha on 17 April, with Opposition parties voting together against it. The Congress is now working to maintain this unity among INDIA bloc allies to prevent any future attempts by the government to pass similar legislation.
According to The Hindu, the Congress has alleged that the BJP's real target in seeking a two-thirds majority is to end reservation policies, a claim the ruling party has denied.
Our Take: Opposition unity is key to blocking constitutional changes
The Congress's outreach to its allies is a clear signal that the Opposition sees the upcoming Monsoon session as a critical battleground. By coordinating early and publicly, the INDIA bloc is trying to send a message that it will not allow the government to push through changes without a fight. Whether this unity holds will depend on how well the parties can set aside their differences and focus on the common goal of protecting the Constitution. For now, the Congress is making the right moves — but the real test will come when Parliament convenes.
