New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has publicly expressed her dissatisfaction with the current leadership of the INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties formed to challenge the BJP. In a significant statement, Banerjee implied her willingness to take the reins of the alliance, even while continuing her role as Chief Minister of West Bengal.
In an interview with Bengali news channel News18 Bangla, Banerjee voiced her concerns regarding the bloc’s internal functioning. She stated, “I had 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? I would just say that everyone needs to be taken along.” While seemingly diplomatic, this statement carries a subtle critique of the current leadership’s performance.
Banerjee, a prominent anti-BJP figurehead, was directly questioned about her perceived hesitancy to claim a more prominent leadership role within INDIA. Her response was assertive: “If given the opportunity, I would ensure its smooth functioning. I don’t want to go outside Bengal, but I can run it from here.” This indicates a willingness to lead the alliance remotely, prioritising her commitment to West Bengal while taking on the responsibility of managing the pan-Indian coalition.
The INDIA bloc, comprised of over two dozen parties, has been criticised for internal friction and a lack of cohesive strategy. Banerjee’s comments follow a recent statement by her party MP, Kalyan Banerjee, who urged Congress and other members to recognise Banerjee’s potential as the bloc’s leader, implicitly criticising the existing power dynamics.
While the Congress party is generally considered the largest constituent of the INDIA bloc, Banerjee’s TMC has been consistently advocating for her leadership, arguing that her strong anti-BJP stance and political acumen make her the ideal candidate to effectively challenge the BJP’s dominance.
