INDIA bloc parties need to have a cohesive policy, ideological framework for the future, says Sibal

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal emphasizes the need for a cohesive opposition alliance in INDIA for effective governance.

INDIA should appear to be a "bloc and not un-bloc" itself in the manner that it does in the public domain, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has said as he batted for a formal structure for the opposition alliance with spokespersons to represent its views.

In an interview with PTI, Mr. Sibal said INDIA parties need to have a cohesive policy, ideological framework and a programme for the future.

Asked about the recent run-ins among INDIA bloc partners in the state assembly polls and if it was bad optics, the Independent Rajya Sabha MP said, "I think it (INDIA) should appear to be a bloc and not un-bloc itself in the manner that it does in the public domain."

"They (INDIA parties) need to have a cohesive policy, a cohesive ideological framework and a cohesive programme for the future," he said.

"I am not talking about the state level or the national level, there has to be cohesiveness in the way in which it thinks on issues that are of great national importance and unless that mechanism is put in place and unless there are spokespersons of the bloc who represent the views of the INDIA bloc, I don't think that this can move forward very effectively," Mr. Sibal told PTI.

On whether there should be a formal political structure in place for the bloc, Mr. Sibal said he has been batting for it for a long time.

"Obviously, either it is not something that is palatable to somebody or the other, or they feel this is not the appropriate time, but I can't possibly talk on behalf of the bloc," he said.