Willing to lead INDIA bloc if given opportunity: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee
The Hindu
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee expresses dissatisfaction with INDIA bloc, hints at taking charge if given opportunity.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed dissatisfaction with the functioning of the Opposition INDIA bloc, signaling her intent to take charge of the alliance if given an opportunity.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said she could manage the dual responsibilities of running the Opposition front while continuing her role as the Chief Minister of West Bengal.
"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," she said in an interview with Bengali news channel News 18 Bangla on Friday (December 6, 2024).
Asked why she is not taking the charge of the bloc, given her credentials as a strong anti-BJP force, Ms. Banerjee said, "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," she said.
The INDIA bloc, formed to counter the BJP, comprises more than two dozen Opposition parties. However, internal differences and a lack of coordination have drawn criticism from various quarters.
Her remarks come days after her party MP Kalyan Banerjee called on the Congress and other INDIA bloc allies to set aside their egos and recognise Mamata Banerjee as the leader of the Opposition alliance.
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