Willing to lead INDIA bloc if given opportunity: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee
The HinduWest 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. 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. The BJP delivered a stunning performance in Maharashtra, securing a record number of seats that propelled the party-led ruling Mahayuti alliance to a landslide victory, while the INDIA bloc made a strong comeback in Jharkhand, driven by a spectacular showing from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha The Congress continued its losing streak, posting its worst-ever performance in Maharashtra and ending up as a distant junior partner to the ruling JMM in Jharkhand, with its role in the Opposition bloc further diminishing as other allies outperformed it. While the Congress being the largest party of the INDIA bloc has often been perceived as the coalition's de facto leader, the TMC has consistently advocated Mamata Banerjee to take the reins of the alliance.