Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 8 : Amidst ongoing discussions regarding the strategy of the opposition coalition, Karnataka State Cabinet Minister Eshwar Khandre on Monday strongly reaffirmed the state government's commitment to the INDIA bloc, asserting that the alliance remains united and focused on critical national issues.
Speaking to ANI in Bengaluru, Khandre emphasised that the coalition is preparing to take a decisive stand against the current administration on several fronts.
"Various issues are there. The INDIA alliance is intact," Khandre stated. "Price rise is there, unemployment is there, and so many issues are there; they will all discuss the issue at the national level, and they will fight against the injustice being done to poor people and farmers."
The Minister stressed that the coalition's primary motivation is to advocate for the rights of the marginalised. "We have to fight for our rights, so they are doing it. Our fullest support is with the INDIA alliance," he added.
Khandre also threw his weight behind Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, highlighting his role in steering the opposition's agenda. "Rahul Gandhi is heading it, and he has been fighting day and night to save democracy, to save our constitution," Khandre said.
The Minister's remarks come as the INDIA bloc continues its efforts to consolidate its platform ahead of upcoming national political engagements, aiming to present a unified front against the ruling coalition.
Meanwhile, Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain on Monday called the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) an integral part of the INDIA bloc alliance, adding that the party will eventually get past the post-poll resentment.
"DMK has always been part of the INDIA alliance. There might be some slight resentment regarding certain post-poll adjustments, but I believe they will eventually come on board," he told reporters.
Further, speaking on Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) absence, he noted that the party did not recieve an invitation as they are not a part of the INDIA bloc alliance as of now.
"Since they are not currently part of the INDIA alliance, they did not receive an invitation; however, once they join the alliance, they will participate in subsequent meetings," he said.
Hussain said that the meeting held discussions regarding the recent political developments and grassroot issues faced by the citizens in the country.
"We did not hold this meeting from an electoral perspective; instead, we discussed current political developments and the issues facing the country and the public today. Certain decisions were taken, which have been presented. The INDIA alliance should also raise them collectively. The five-point agenda will be implemented nationwide. We will maintain coordination across the country, hold meetings, and raise these issues on a national scale," he added.
Hussain's remarks come after the INDIA bloc conducted a high-profile meeting of the alliance partners in New Delhi.
Following the meeting, the opposition coalition has unveiled a comprehensive five-point strategy to challenge the government on issues ranging from electoral integrity to national crises. The alliance reaffirmed its unity and established a roadmap for coordinated action in the coming months.