- By Kamal Kumar
- Tue, 10 Dec 2024 03:47 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Speculations of a rift within the INDIA bloc over the current leadership by Congress are rife amid a statement given by Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Yadav, who pitched Mamata Banerjee as a potential leader for the alliance. Lalu's statement fueled the rumours of discord among constituent parties and their search for alternative leadership amid the poor show of the Big Brother Congress in recent state assembly polls.
Speaking to the news agency ANI, the veteran political leader has said that his party would support Mamata Banerjee as an alternative to the current leadership, in what appeared as a possible hint against Rahul Gandhi. The 76-year-old leader further said that Congress's objection to the proposal would mean 'nothing'.
"Congress's objection means nothing. We will support Mamata... Mamata Banerjee should be given the leadership (of the INDIA Bloc)," the RJD chief said.
The statement reignited the discussion around the rift in the bloc over leadership, which was temporarily stopped after the Lok Sabha election results in which the INC emerged as a key player by winning 99 seats.
Earlier this month, Mamata stirred the debate by saying that everyone needs to be taken along in the bloc.
"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," the TMC supremo had said.
Her statement came in the backdrop of differences among the INDIA constituent parties over the issues being raised by Congress in the current parliament session. While Congress is placing emphasis on the Adani indictment issue leading the frequent adjournments in the House, TMC wants the Lok Sabha to function so that issues such as price rise, unemployment and Manipur issues can be discussed.
Other parties have yet to openly state their opinions on the issue.
In Delhi, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi emphasized the need for unity in decision-making, stating, "There is no official statement from our party yet. I cannot say anything about it. Every party has their opinion. When the meeting will take place and whatever would be decided unanimously, that would be acceptable to our party."
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee backed Lalu's proposal, reiterating past criticisms of Congress's leadership. "We had said earlier only that Congress should understand that the INDIA bloc has failed under its leadership. It will be good if Mamata Didi is brought for leadership (of INDIA bloc). Out of all the leaders, Mamata didi's name is on top when it comes to fighting politically...," he remarked.
However, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MP Mahua Majhi maintained a cautious stance. "There is no official statement from our party yet. I cannot say anything about it. Every party has their opinion. When the meeting will take place and whatever would be decided unanimously, that would be acceptable to our party..." she commented.