INDIA Bloc Leadership: Mamata To Lead? CPI Opposes While Samajwadi Party Backs

Expressing discontent over the alliance's leadership and coordination, Banerjee told reporters, "I had formed the INDIA bloc, now it is up to those leading the front to manage it. If they can't run the show, what can I do? I would just say that everyone needs to be taken along."

Answering why she is not taking charge of the bloc, Banerjee said, "If given the opportunity, I would ensure its smooth functioning.I don't want to go outside West Bengal, but I can run it from here."

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While the CPI opposed it, the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party (SP) Samajwadi Party national spokesperson Udaiveer Singh extended support and cooperation to the TMC chief while suggesting that the INDIA bloc should consider Banerjee as the leader.

"If Mamata Banerjee has expressed any desire, the leaders of the INDIA alliance bloc should consider it and give her support. This will strengthen the alliance. Mamata Banerjee took the lead in stopping the BJP in Bengal. We have sympathy for her. We have an emotional bond with Mamata from before," Singh said.

According to an NDTV report, strongly opposing Mamata's intent to lead the anti-BJP bloc, CPI general secretary D Raja said, "I don't know what she means exactly, after the exit polls came out there was only one meeting of INDIA alliance. It is a fact but one should understand what is the objective of INDIA bloc. 'Desh Bachao, BJP Hatao' was a common resolve. Point here is the situation is not the same in every state."

Congress on the other hand maintained cautious response while underlining the need to consensus over the matter as the INDIA bloc includes many political parties.

"She has her opinion and intent. Mamata Banerjee is a member of the INDIA bloc. Whatever conversations happen, it is natural that everyone will sit together and decide," NDTV quoted Congress leader TS Singhdeo saying.

Reiterating similar sentiment, Congress MP Tariq Anwar also said, "The INDIA bloc is a coalition of many parties, and leadership decisions will be made collectively."

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Besides the tussle over Mamata's possibility to spearhead the Opposition alliance, RJD's Mrityunjay Tiwari asserted that forming the INDIA bloc was Lalu Prasad Yadav's initiative as he arranged the first meeting in Patna.

"The real architect of the opposition alliance against BJP is Lalu Prasad Yadav. Everyone is engaged in the fight against the BJP in their respective states. Mamata Banerjee fights strongly against the BJP in West Bengal. Now, it is Bihar's turn in 2025," the RJD leader said.