Mamata Banerjee to lead INDIA bloc: In a significant political development, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and veteran leader Lalu Prasad Yadav has extended his support to Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee as the leader of the Opposition INDIA bloc. Yadav’s backing comes amid growing speculation about who will lead the alliance into the 2024 general elections.
Speaking to ANI on December 10, Yadav dismissed objections from the Congress party, stating, \”Congress’s objection means nothing. We will support Mamata. Mamata Banerjee should be given the leadership of the INDIA bloc.\” His statement underlines the increasing momentum within the opposition ranks for Banerjee, the West Bengal Chief Minister, to take charge of the alliance.
The call for Banerjee’s leadership has been gaining momentum within the TMC. Party MP Kirti Azad recently described her as the \”most suitable\” candidate, speaking of her track record of repeatedly defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal.
On December 6, Banerjee announced that she would lead the bloc if the opportunity arises, in an interview with News18 Bangla: “I had formed the INDIA bloc. If given the opportunity, I would ensure its smooth functioning. I don’t want to go outside West Bengal, but I can run it from here.”
#WATCH | Patna: Former Bihar CM and RJD chief Lalu Yadav says, "… Congress's objection means nothing. We will support Mamata… Mamata Banerjee should be given the leadership (of the INDIA Bloc)… We will form the government again in 2025…" pic.twitter.com/lFjXGkKrPm
— ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2024
Other prominent leaders of the INDIA bloc have also expressed support. Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Sharad Pawar supported Banerjee, terming her as a “prominent leader of this nation” and appreciating the quality of TMC’s members elected to Parliament.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, too said much the same thing when he said that Mamata Banerjee would be a “major partner” in the alliance. “We know Mamata ji’s capabilities. She is very close to us and a good leader. We will soon visit Kolkata to discuss this further,” he said.
The INDIA bloc has been questioned on its cohesiveness after the electoral setbacks in key states. The internal divisions, more particularly between the Congress and TMC, have come up often, with Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury being a vociferous critic of Banerjee.
In a move to preserve unity, Lalu Prasad Yadav called for restraint among opposition leaders, urging them not to indulge in divisive rhetoric. \”Comments against Mamata ji by Left and Congress leaders must be avoided for the sake of opposition unity,\” Yadav was quoted as saying in an earlier meeting.
While Mamata Banerjee’s potential leadership has garnered significant backing, the final decision on the INDIA bloc’s leadership is expected to be taken collectively. The bloc’s ability to present a united front will be crucial as it aims to challenge the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
As political maneuvering deepens, all eyes have now turned to Kolkata: the next moves by the chief minister of West Bengal – Mamata Banerjee.
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