January 9, 2025: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for the dissolution of the INDIA bloc, citing a lack of unity among its members amid ongoing tensions between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress in the run-up to the Delhi elections. Despite both parties being part of the opposition alliance, their rivalry in Delhi has escalated into heated exchanges, raising questions about the bloc's purpose and future.

Abdullah, whose National Conference is a key ally in the INDIA bloc, expressed disappointment over the absence of dialogue within the alliance after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The bloc had played a significant role in preventing the BJP from securing a simple majority in Parliament, but its cohesion appears to be unraveling.

“It is unfortunate that no meeting of the INDIA bloc has taken place. Who will lead? What will be the agenda? How will the alliance move forward? There is no discussion on these issues,” Abdullah said. He emphasized the need for a post-election meeting to address these concerns. “If the alliance was only meant for the Lok Sabha elections, it should be dissolved. But if it is to continue for Assembly elections, we must work together,” he added.

The disarray within the bloc was further highlighted by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, who remarked that the INDIA alliance had outlived its utility. “INDIA was formed just for the Lok Sabha elections to stop the BJP's victory march. It has no significance now,” Yadav said, downplaying the current infighting as unsurprising.

In Delhi, the rivalry between AAP and Congress has intensified. Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal declared that the upcoming election is a direct contest between AAP and BJP, dismissing the INDIA bloc’s relevance in the state polls. “The Delhi polls are not about the INDIA alliance. It’s a BJP versus AAP contest,” Kejriwal said.

Last month, tensions peaked when Kejriwal suggested consulting other bloc members to expel Congress from the alliance. This came after the Congress accused Kejriwal of misleading voters with promises of non-existent welfare schemes, further straining ties between the two parties.

Abdullah’s call for clarity reflects growing frustrations within the INDIA bloc. As Delhi prepares for its high-stakes election, the alliance faces an existential crossroads, with its unity and purpose increasingly under question.