After TMC MPs proposed making Mamata Banerjee the leader of the opposition alliance, the West Bengal Chief Minister responded. She said she would be willing to lead if asked. This comes amid rising disagreements within the INDIA bloc over Congress’s recent losses in Haryana and Maharashtra, as well as its insistence on debating one specific issue in Parliament.
Banerjee Clarifies Leadership Role
Mamata Banerjee made it clear that she is not leading the INDIA alliance. “I formed the INDIA bloc; now it is up to those leading the front to manage it. If they can’t run the show, what can I do?” she stated. She also said, “I am not leading that front.”
When asked if she would accept the leadership role, she responded, “If given the opportunity, I would ensure its smooth functioning.”
TMC MPs Push for Banerjee’s Leadership
Recently, TMC MPs like Kalyan Banerjee and Kirti Azad urged Congress and other INDIA bloc allies to recognize Mamata Banerjee as the opposition leader. They highlighted her success in defeating BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in West Bengal.
“Mamata Banerjee has a perfect record. Whenever Narendra Modi has faced defeat, it has always been in West Bengal,” Kalyan Banerjee said. He added, “Even in the recent by-elections, where the BJP had one seat and we had five, Mamata Didi hit a six and threw Narendra Modi out of the West Bengal boundary.”
INDIA Bloc’s Mixed Reactions
Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed support for Mamata Banerjee’s leadership. They said they are aware of her views and want her to be a major partner in the INDIA alliance. “We know this opinion of Mamata ji. We also want her to be a major partner of the INDIA alliance,” they stated. They also mentioned they would meet her soon in Kolkata.
However, Congress dismissed the suggestion. Congress leader Manickam Tagore called it “a good joke” when asked about the proposal.
BJP Criticizes INDIA Bloc’s Leadership Issues
The BJP criticized the INDIA bloc, calling it a group of parties united only against Prime Minister Modi, without a clear agenda. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said, “Mamata Banerjee’s statement makes it clear that the entire INDIA alliance does not have faith in the leadership of Rahul Gandhi.”
TMC and Congress: A Strained Relationship
TMC and Congress have often disagreed, even within the INDIA bloc. They have clashed over issues like seat-sharing and contesting elections independently. Recently, tensions grew after Congress’s poor performance in Haryana and Maharashtra.
During the winter session of Parliament, TMC differed from Congress by opposing disruptions over the Adani issue. While Congress demanded a discussion on the Adani controversy, TMC focused on issues like central funding and the Manipur crisis. TMC also skipped several INDIA bloc meetings at the start of the winter session.
Despite being part of the same alliance, TMC and Congress continue to face challenges in their relationship.