Mamata Banerjee should lead INDIA bloc: Lalu Prasad Yadav

Speaking to the media, Lalu said, "Mamata Banerjee should be given the leadership. We will support her."

When asked about objections from the country's primary opposition party Congress, the former Bihar CM said, "Congress' objection means nothing."

In a recent interview with News 18 Bangla, Mamata has expressed her willingness to lead the INDIA bloc, which faced crushing defeat against the BJP in Haryana and Maharashtra assembly elections.

"I had formed the INDIA alliance. What can I do if they can't run the show? I am not leading the front right now. I would appeal to the leaders of the front to fight unitedly," said Mamata and added, "I won't leave West Bengal for sure but if I have been given a chance to lead the INDIA bloc, I am able to do it from my state."

Soon after the Trinamool Congress supremo's interest to lead the bloc, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) leader Surpiya Sule welcomed it and told ANI, "Mamata Banerjee is absolutely an integral part of the INDIA alliance. In a vibrant democracy, the opposition has a big role and responsibility, so if she wants to take more responsibility, we will be very happy."

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also said that Banerjee has projected a successful model in West Bengal where she has kept the BJP away from power.

"She has put forward her statement. Because she has shown a successful model in West Bengal where she has kept the BJP away from power and implemented good welfare schemes... Her election experience and fighting spirit, accordingly she has shared her interest. Whenever the INDIA bloc meeting takes place, our senior leaders will together take a decision," Chaturvedi was quoted as saying by NDTV.

On several issues, the TMC has maintained distance from the Congress in the ongoing winter session of parliament.

The TMC along with Samajwadi Party (SP) have skipped the joint Adani protests, which was led by Congress and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

SP, the second largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha, has backed Mamata as the INDIA bloc leader.

SP national spokesperson Udaiveer Singh said as quoted by India Today, "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."

CPI, a Left party known for its traditional opposition to Mamata Banerjee, has also hit out at the Congress and called for an "introspection".

CPI general secretary D Raja blamed the Congress for the Haryana and Maharashtra defeats for not accommodating the allies.

Despite several allies rallied behind Mamata, the Congress has outrightly rejected the proposal where the party would have to shed the de facto leadership even after winning 99 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad said as quoted by India Today, "Mamata Banerjee thinks so, but we don't. Her party runs as she says, we work as Congress says."