- By Nidhi Giri
- Sat, 07 Dec 2024 08:40 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Expressing her frustration over INDIA Bloc’s leadership and functioning, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee recently expressed her willingness to lead the alliance. Her remarks have invited a wave of reactions from allies within the INDIA bloc. The Trinamool Congress was quick to clarify her statement saying her priority was West Bengal, however, Congress played down her capability to assume a national role.
“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,” Banerjee stated. When asked why she had not taken charge of the bloc herself, she replied, “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.”
Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson Kunal Ghosh gave a clarification in this regard. “She never said anything like this,” Ghosh insisted.
“She said she founded the INDIA alliance and that it was a necessary front against BJP. Her priority is West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee is not interested in a chair in Delhi. If the INDIA bloc demands her leadership, she will do so from Kolkata only," he added.
Banerjee’s remarks have led to mixed reactions from leaders across the opposition parties.
CPI(M) leader D Raja expressed confusion and said, “I don’t know what she means exactly. After the exit polls came out, there was only one meeting of the INDIA alliance. The point is, the situation is not the same in every state.”
Congress has questioned the TMC supremo's ability to function as a national leader, given her role as the head of a regional party. "When the TMC won in West Bengal, they tried to expand their network across the country... They struggled a lot. To what extent they succeeded is clear from the fact that someone who couldn't expand her party beyond Bengal—how can she fight on a national level? How can she lead?" Congress leader Udit Raj said on Saturday
"She has her opinion and intent. Mamata is a member of the INDIA bloc. Whatever conversations happen, it is natural that everyone will sit together and decide," said Congress leader TS Singhdeo.
TMC’s growing influence in West Bengal, bolstered by recent bypoll victories, has strengthened Mamata Banerjee’s position within the INDIA bloc. However, internal disagreements and leadership ambitions continue to challenge the coalition's unity.
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee recently urged Congress and other allies to set aside egos and recognize Mamata Banerjee as the rightful leader of the alliance.