India, June 8 -- The opposition INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc held its crucial meeting today at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi, but the gathering was marked by notable absences and a telling virtual appearance that underscored deepening fault lines within the coalition.

The INDIA bloc's first formal meeting came around one month after the comprehensive loss suffered by Trinamool Congress, one of its most significant allies, in West Bengal.

As per the list shared by Congress leaders, 23 political parties were represented at the Constitution Club, with Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh confirming their participation and describing the gathering as a meeting of the "INDIA janbandhan."

Th...