Tejashwi Yadav Evasive On Mamata Banerjee's Leadership, Says 'INDIA Bloc Leader Should Be Chosen Through Consensus'

Patna: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has avoided endorsing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's aspirations to lead the INDIA bloc, emphasizing the need for consensus among all alliance partners.

His remarks come amidst support for Mamata from NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, highlighting the growing debate over leadership within the coalition. Speaking to the media in Kolkata on Sunday, Tejashwi clarified that the issue of leadership had not yet been discussed formally.

“There have been no talks on this matter so far,” he said. “Such decisions will be made collectively by senior leaders of all alliance partners. I don’t believe there will be objections to the names of prominent leaders leading the alliance.”

RJD Spokesperson Mritunjay Tiwari On Mamata Banerjee's Credentials

Meanwhile, RJD spokesperson Mritunjay Tiwari acknowledged Mamata’s strong credentials as a coalition partner. “She has been steadfast in her fight against BJP and communal forces. The INDIA bloc leaders will meet and decide on such matters. There is no controversy here,” he stated.

Tiwari also underscored the historic role of RJD chief Lalu Prasad in uniting nonBJP forces, hinting at the complexities involved in determining INDIA bloc leadership.

Discussion Around Leadership Intensifies

The discussion around leadership has intensified as Congress faces internal and external challenges. While Rahul Gandhi’s image received a boost after the Congress-led coalition thwarted the BJP’s majority in the Lok Sabha, his stature has been dented by recent electoral setbacks in Haryana and Maharashtra.

Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, weighed in, noting that Mamata’s leadership aspirations are an internal matter for the coalition.

“INDIA bloc is not officially led by any individual or party yet. Congress, being the largest party, is leading by default,” he remarked.

On the other hand, senior JD(U) leader K.C. Tyagi criticized Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, revealing dissatisfaction among regional leaders. He pointed to JD(U) and Nitish Kumar’s departure from the alliance as evidence of its internal discord. “We foresaw the challenges. This alliance cannot function cohesively,” Tyagi asserted.

Suggestion Given By Political Analyst Indrajit Singh

Political analyst Indrajit Singh suggested that RJD is cautious not to alienate Congress ahead of Bihar’s upcoming assembly elections. “Backing Mamata for a national leadership role could risk upsetting Congress and Rahul Gandhi,” Singh said, indicating that such a move would require delicate balancing.