Opposition Decries State Exclusion from BRICS Summit

Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad has accused the BJP of harboring an anti-democratic agenda after opposition-led states were sidelined from the BRICS summit in New Delhi. Prasad argues the exclusion of non-BJP Chief Ministers from the Bharat Mandapam event undermines the federal spirit and democratic foundations of the country.

Editorial·September 15, 2026·reads: 520

Opposition Decries State Exclusion from BRICS Summit

The controversy erupted as Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the 18th BRICS Summit, engaging in a flurry of high-level diplomacy with international counterparts. While the Prime Minister held bilateral talks with figures including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the domestic political landscape remained strained by the perceived partisan nature of the guest list.

Throughout the summit, the Indian government focused on themes of global governance, multilateralism, and sustainable growth. Prime Minister Modi participated in the 'Bharat Innovates' exhibition and held extensive dialogues with leaders from nations spanning Kazakhstan to South Africa. Despite the focus on international cooperation, Prasad’s critique highlights a growing tension regarding the representation of India’s diverse political leadership on the global stage.