Mamata Banerjee seeks leadership of INDIA Bloc: Will the Opposition back her?

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Mamata Banerjee’s recent remarks regarding her role in the opposition INDIA alliance have sparked a flurry of reactions from allies within the bloc. Speaking on a television channel, the West Bengal Chief Minister expressed frustration over the leadership and coordination of the coalition. “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 alliance herself, Banerjee clarified, “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.” This statement quickly led to speculation about Banerjee’s potential leadership of the INDIA bloc, which she helped establish to challenge the dominance of the BJP.

TMC’s Denial of Personal Ambition

Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson Kunal Ghosh quickly responded to the speculation, emphasising that Banerjee was not seeking personal gain. “She never said anything like this, 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,” Ghosh stated. He further clarified that if the INDIA bloc called upon her leadership, she would be willing to take on the role from Kolkata.

Mixed Reactions from Allies

Banerjee’s remarks have triggered a variety of responses from her coalition partners. CPI(M) leader D Raja