West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief Mamata Banarjee on Wednesday thanked opposition leaders after they backed her as leader of the INDIA bloc amid discussions over leadership change.
“I am grateful to all the leaders who have honored me. I wish them all good health. May things go well for them, may things go well for their party. May things go well for India,” she said.
Mamata made this comment while addressing a gathering in Purba Medinipur, emphasizing on unity and well-being.
Several opposition leaders, including Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and former Bihar chief minister and Union minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, have supported Mamata.
“Yes, definitely (she is capable of leading the alliance). She is a prominent leader of this nation… she has that capacity,” said Pawar, who extended his support to Mamata Banerjee.
“The elected leaders she has sent to parliament are responsible, dutiful and conscious people. Therefore, she has the right to say that,” Pawar added.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is currently the chairman of the opposition faction, formed before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The YSR Congress Party, which is not currently part of the INDIA bloc, reiterated its support for Banerjee, calling her the “most capable leader to lead the bloc”.
Endorsing the Trinamool Congress chief as leader of the INDIA bloc, Trinamool Congress leader Sushmita Dev said, “Her consistent record of good governance and ability to completely defeat the BJP electorally , has prompted many leaders across the country to see her in an expanded role. leadership role”.
“Her ability to bring everyone along is also appreciated. The INDIA bloc is united in its strategy to defeat the BJP,” she added.
YSRCP Rajya Sabha MP Vijayasai Reddy said Banerjee can handle INDIA bloc parties better.
“Didi Mamata ji is capable and experienced. She heads one of the largest states, manages several portfolios and holds various positions from time to time.