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Mani Shankar Aiyar’s remark comes in the backdrop of a leadership challenge within the INDIA bloc formed last year to take on the BJP-led NDA.
Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar | File Image
Former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar said that the Congress should be ready to not be the leader of the opposition’s INDIA bloc and backed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the post, saying other alliance leaders are more competent for the role.
The senior Congress leader’s remark comes in the backdrop of a leadership challenge within the opposition bloc formed last year to take on the BJP-led NDA at the Centre.
“I don’t think it’s a relevant question. I think the Congress should be ready to not be the leader of the bloc. Let whoever wants to be the leader be the leader. There is competence in Mamata Banerjee. There is competence in others in the alliance,” Aiyar was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.
He further underscored the significant role of the Congress within the INDIA bloc and noted that Rahul Gandhi would get respect within the alliance even without serving as its leader.
“I think the position of the Congress party and the Congress leader will always be a major one. It doesn’t have to be the only one. It will be the major one in the INDIA bloc. I am sure Rahul (Gandhi) will be treated with even more respect than he would be as the president of the alliance,” said the 83-year-old Congress leader.
The INDIA bloc’s strategy worked well in the Lok Sabha election as the BJP was stopped below the halfway mark. The alliance, however, faced setbacks in subsequent Haryana and Maharashtra polls.
Soon after the declaration of the Maharashtra election results last month, voices were heard backing CM Banerjee to take over the leadership of the opposition alliance. It came after Banerjee herself showed her interest in the opportunity.
She took a veiled swipe at the Congress after the INDIA bloc’s disappointing results in the Maharashtra elections, saying that “everyone needs to be taken along” as the Opposition bloc moves against the BJP-ruled central government.
When asked why she was not taking charge, Banerjee said, “If given the opportunity, I would ensure its smooth functioning. I don’t want to go outside Bengal, but I can run it from here.”
Several opposition leaders backed Banerjee to lead the opposition front. “Congress’s objection means nothing. We will support Mamata… Mamata Banerjee should be given the leadership (of the INDIA Bloc),” the RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yada said.
NCP founder Sharad Pawar said, “Yes, certainly (she is capable of leading the alliance). She is a prominent leader of this nation… she has that capability. The elected leaders she sent to Parliament are responsible, dutiful, and well-aware people. Therefore, she has the right to say so.”