NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, in first reaction to the recent talks about change in INDIA bloc leadership, thanked the opposition leaders who backed her for the post.
“I am grateful to all the leaders who have honoured me. I wish good health to all of them. May they be well, may their party be well. May India be well,” the West Bengal chief minister said during an event in Purba Medinipur.
This comes as several INDIA bloc parties backed Mamata Banerjee seeking a rejig in alliance leadership.
Banerjee had said last week she could manage the dual responsibility of running the opposition front while continuing her role as the chief minister of West Bengal.
Her statement came at a time when broader tensions have emerged within the INDIA bloc due to dissatisfaction from various regional parties and the recent electoral setbacks for the Congress in Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and Maharashtra.
In an interview last week, Banerjee expressed dissatisfaction with the functioning of the opposition INDIA bloc, signalling her intent to take charge of the alliance if given an opportunity, and will ensure its smooth functioning.
On Tuesday, RJD leader Lalu Prasad endorsed Banerjee’s potential leadership of the INDIA bloc. When questioned about Banerjee’s potential leadership of the INDIA bloc, Lalu Prasad affirmed his support while dismissing Congress’s concerns as insignificant.
The YSR Congress Party, whilst not currently affiliated with the INDIA bloc, voiced its backing for Banerjee, describing her as the most suitable candidate to head the coalition.
YSRCP Rajya Sabha MP Vijayasai Reddy expressed confidence in Banerjee’s capabilities, citing her experience in governing a major state and managing various portfolios.
Sharad Pawar had also previously praised her competence and the effectiveness of her parliamentary representatives.
Samajwadi Party’s Ram Gopal Yadav and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut have also indicated openness to non-Congress leadership discussions.
Raut acknowledged Congress’s position as the largest opposition party whilst suggesting various potential leaders including Banerjee, Uddhav Thackeray, Lalu Prasad, Sharad Pawar and Akhilesh Yadav for strengthening the alliance.
Currently, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge chairs the opposition coalition.