Lalu Yadav and Party Leaders Criticize Congress’ Resistance
The call for Mamata Banerjee to take the reins of the opposition’s INDIA bloc has been gaining increasing support, with RJD chief and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav openly backing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader for the leadership role.
Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Yadav dismissed the Congress’s objections, stating, “Congress’ objection means nothing. We will support Mamata… Mamata Banerjee should be given the leadership (of the INDIA bloc).” His strong endorsement came just two days after TMC raised the issue, with party MP Kirti Azad asserting that Banerjee is the “most suitable” leader, given her consistent victories over the BJP in West Bengal.
Echoing the sentiments of his party colleague, Kalyan Banerjee, another senior TMC leader, reiterated on Tuesday that Mamata Banerjee is widely regarded as the “strongest and most popular leader” in the opposition. He also took aim at Congress, suggesting that the party’s reluctance to accept Banerjee’s leadership stems from their “ego.” Kalyan Banerjee remarked, “One must not have ego. It does not mean that if Mamata Banerjee becomes leader of the INDIA bloc, she will be a contestant for the prime minister’s post.” He added, “The problem with Congress is that they are always afraid of leaders of other opposition parties.”
The TMC leader also alluded to Congress’ historical blunders, stating, “Congress must be realising its wrong decision of throwing Mamata Banerjee out in 1997.” His remarks pointed to the 1997 incident when Mamata Banerjee, then a Congress leader, was sidelined by the party leadership. This move, according to Kalyan Banerjee, has had long-term consequences, with Mamata ultimately leading a successful challenge to the CPI(M)-led Left Front government in West Bengal.
Emphasizing Banerjee’s leadership qualities, Kalyan Banerjee stated, “No one in the INDIA bloc can compare with her. She is the best.” He further praised her political acumen, saying, “Mamata Banerjee alone has destroyed CPI(M). She knows how to rise to the occasion.” In contrast, he criticized Congress for its failure to recognize her leadership potential, suggesting that the party had repeatedly undermined her abilities in favour of its own leadership interests.
