Congress leader Udit Raj took a sharp jab at senior party colleague P. Chidambaram on May 16, 2025, criticizing the former Union minister’s remarks questioning the future of the opposition INDIA bloc. Raj, speaking in New Delhi, suggested that Chidambaram, a seasoned economist and parliamentarian, should leverage his expertise to strengthen the Congress rather than casting doubts on the alliance’s cohesion. The comments have fueled internal tensions within the Congress and provided ammunition for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to attack the opposition.
Chidambaram, a Rajya Sabha MP, had expressed uncertainty about the INDIA bloc’s future during a book launch event on May 15, 2025, describing the alliance as “frayed” and questioning its intactness. His remarks, made at the launch of Contesting Democratic Deficit by Salman Khurshid and Mritunjay Singh Yadav, highlighted concerns about the opposition’s unity ahead of the critical 2029 general elections. Raj responded by acknowledging Chidambaram’s intellectual stature but emphasized that the party had given him and his son, Lok Sabha MP Karti Chidambaram, significant opportunities. “Party has given him a lot. He and his son are MPs. Since the party is not in power, Chidambaram ji should go around the country and conduct a dialogue,” Raj said, urging him to engage with businessmen on issues like GST and income tax to bolster the Congress’s standing.
Raj’s critique underscored the need for senior leaders to contribute actively, especially given Chidambaram’s expertise in economics and law. “It’s easy to criticize, but he can do a lot more,” Raj added, suggesting that Chidambaram’s comments were unhelpful at a time when the opposition needs to project unity. He also noted shortcomings in the INDIA bloc but defended its potential, aligning with Salman Khurshid’s call to address internal issues and prepare for a “major battle” in 2029.
The BJP seized on Chidambaram’s remarks to lambast the INDIA bloc, labeling it a “tukde-tukde alliance” driven by self-interest. BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia claimed the opposition lacked a shared vision, asserting that even Congress leaders like Chidambaram acknowledge the party’s bleak future. “When the INDI alliance was formed, its only goal was to grab power, even if it meant being anti-India or abusing Prime Minister Modi,” Bhatia said. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari echoed this on social media, stating, “Even Rahul Gandhi’s close aides know Congress has no future.” Former Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar called the bloc a rebranded, corrupt UPA, united only by “hatred of Modiji.”
Chidambaram’s comments reflect broader concerns about the INDIA bloc’s fragility, which includes parties like the Aam Aadmi Party, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool Congress. The alliance, formed to counter the BJP in the 2024 elections, has faced challenges due to differing regional priorities and leadership tussles. Chidambaram warned that a decisive BJP victory in 2029 could irreparably damage India’s democracy, emphasizing the need for a united opposition. Khurshid, a key negotiator for the bloc, admitted the need to resolve internal concerns to mount an effective challenge.
Raj’s remarks, while critical, also praised Chidambaram’s contributions, calling him one of India’s foremost economists and advocates. However, his public swipe highlights underlying tensions within the Congress as it navigates its role in a fractured opposition. The episode has sparked debate about the party’s strategy and leadership dynamics, with the BJP capitalizing on the discord to portray the INDIA bloc as a faltering coalition. As the 2029 elections loom, the Congress faces the challenge of unifying its ranks and the broader alliance to present a credible alternative to the BJP’s dominance.
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