Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: A day after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her willingness to lead the INDIA Alliance, the Congress refrained from issuing an official response, describing her remarks as “mere posturing.” Party sources indicated that Banerjee’s statement is seen as an attempt to project herself as a national leader amidst growing challenges within her own party, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC).
According to Congress insiders, Banerjee’s remarks are aimed at reinforcing her leadership credentials within the AITC, particularly as speculation grows about tensions between her and her nephew, Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee. These internal party dynamics are seen as a driving force behind her efforts to assert influence beyond West Bengal.
Leadership Not a Priority Yet
Congress sources downplayed the impact of Banerjee’s remarks on the leadership question within the INDIA Alliance, emphasizing that such discussions will gain importance closer to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. For now, the alliance’s focus remains on strategizing for assembly polls and addressing key issues such as seat-sharing arrangements.
“The leadership of the alliance will become critical only as the Lok Sabha elections approach. Until then, disagreements and political maneuvers among alliance members are expected,” said a party source.
Alliance Dynamics and Future Plans
The INDIA Alliance members are set to collaborate on pressing issues, including protests in Parliament and raising concerns about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). While differences have emerged, such as the Samajwadi Party abstaining from Congress-led protests on the Adani controversy, sources insist that the alliance remains committed to a unified opposition against the BJP-led NDA.
For the Congress, the focus is on maintaining a balance within the alliance while addressing internal and external challenges as they prepare for the next major electoral battle.
