Leadership Choices in the INDIA Bloc Will Be Made Collectively: Congress Responds to Mamata's Remarks
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New Delhi, Dec 7 (NationPress) The Congress on Thursday addressed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's willingness to lead the INDIA bloc, underscoring that leadership decisions for the Opposition alliance will be taken collectively by all member parties, not through public statements.
Mamata recently expressed her dissatisfaction with the INDIA bloc's operations and indicated her readiness to take the helm of the alliance if given the chance.
She further clarified that while she would not abandon Bengal, she could manage the bloc's activities from there.
Her comments followed a recommendation from TMC MP Kirti Azad, among others, suggesting that the West Bengal Chief Minister should be appointed as the leader of the INDIA bloc.
In an interview with IANS, Congress leaders emphasized that such decisions necessitate a consensus.
Congress leader Rashid Alvi remarked to IANS, "Nitish Kumar also expressed his desire to lead the INDIA bloc. However, in a coalition of this scale, leadership decisions cannot be made independently."
"It requires agreement and discussion among all members. The bloc will collectively determine who will lead, who will serve as the convener, or if there will be a chairperson, who that individual will be," he added.
"It is natural for leaders to aspire for leadership, but such decisions transcend personal ambitions," Alvi stated.
Congress Lok Sabha MP Tariq Anwar concurred, asserting, "The INDIA bloc is a coalition of numerous parties, and leadership decisions will be made collectively."
Another Congress MP, Tanuj Punia, emphasized the necessity of internal dialogue rather than public statements.
"This matter should be addressed with the Leader of Opposition and the party's National President. It should not be a topic for media debate. If Mamata Banerjee has proposals, they should be presented for discussion among all member parties, and decisions will be taken accordingly," he remarked.
The INDIA bloc, established to counter the BJP in elections, consists of over two dozen Opposition parties.
While the Congress, being the largest party in the bloc, is perceived as the natural leader, the TMC has consistently pushed for Mamata to assume a significant leadership role.
In the meantime, the bloc has faced criticism regarding internal rifts and a lack of coordination, raising doubts about its capability to present a united front against the BJP.
