West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed dissatisfaction with the current functioning of the opposition INDIA bloc, signaling her readiness to take charge of the alliance if given the opportunity.
Banerjee, who leads the Trinamool Congress (TMC), stated that she could manage both her responsibilities as the chief minister of West Bengal and as the potential leader of the opposition alliance.
“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 said in an interview with Bengali news channel News 18 Bangla.
When asked why she is not currently leading the alliance, Banerjee responded, “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 INDIA bloc, which was formed to unite opposition parties against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), includes more than two dozen parties. However, the alliance has faced criticism for its internal differences and lack of coordination.
Banerjee’s remarks come after her party MP Kalyan Banerjee urged Congress and other bloc allies to set aside their egos and acknowledge Mamata Banerjee as the leader of the opposition alliance.
INDIA Bloc performance in recent Elections
Recent electoral performances have also fueled tensions within the alliance. The BJP delivered a strong performance in Maharashtra, leading the Mahayuti alliance to a landslide victory, while the INDIA bloc made significant gains in Jharkhand, led by the Janata Dal (Secular)-backed Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). On the other hand, the Congress, which has often been viewed as the largest party in the bloc, suffered its worst-ever performance in Maharashtra and is now a junior partner to the JMM in Jharkhand.
Meanwhile, the TMC reinforced its dominance in West Bengal, notably securing bypoll victories over the BJP, despite opposition campaigns focusing on controversies such as the RG Kar Medical College protests.
The TMC has repeatedly called for Mamata Banerjee to take the lead in the INDIA bloc, especially as other allies, including the CPI(M)-led Left Front and CPI(ML) Liberation, suffered setbacks in recent elections, with their candidates losing deposits.
While Congress has been perceived as the de facto leader of the opposition bloc, Banerjee’s consistent calls for her leadership reflect ongoing tensions within the alliance.
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