Veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar has suggested that the Congress party should be open to not leading the INDIA Opposition bloc. In an interview with The Indian Express, Mr. Aiyar stated that the question of who leads the bloc is irrelevant. “The Congress should be ready to not be the leader of the bloc. Let whoever wants to lead, lead. Leaders like Mamata Banerjee and others in the alliance are competent,” he said.
Mr. Aiyar added that the Congress would remain a significant force within the bloc, irrespective of leadership. “The position of the Congress party and its leader will always be major. It doesn’t have to be the only one. Rahul (Gandhi) will likely command even more respect than as the alliance president,” he remarked. The 83-year-old leader has recently released the second volume of his autobiography, A Maverick in Politics.
His remarks come amid ongoing leadership tussles within the INDIA alliance, formed last year to challenge the BJP’s electoral dominance. The alliance saw success in the Lok Sabha elections, preventing the BJP from achieving a majority. However, internal tensions have surfaced in regions where INDIA bloc members are electoral rivals, with the BJP branding the alliance “opportunistic.”
Following the Congress’s improved performance in the Lok Sabha elections, the party faced setbacks in Haryana and Maharashtra polls. After the Maharashtra results, Trinamool Congress leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee subtly criticized the Congress, emphasizing the need for unity within the Opposition bloc. When asked about taking charge, Ms. Banerjee said, “If given the opportunity, I could ensure its smooth functioning. I prefer staying in Bengal, but I can manage it from here.”
Several senior leaders, including Lalu Prasad Yadav and Sharad Pawar, expressed support for Ms. Banerjee’s potential leadership of the bloc. “Congress’s objection doesn’t matter. Mamata Banerjee should lead the INDIA bloc,” said RJD founder Lalu Prasad Yadav. Sharad Pawar, NCP founder, agreed, stating, “She is a prominent leader with capable and responsible representatives in Parliament. She deserves the role.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut echoed similar sentiments, calling for Ms. Banerjee to play a major role in the alliance. “We support Mamata ji’s significant partnership in the INDIA alliance. Whether it’s Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, or Shiv Sena, we are all united,” he said.
