Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kunal Ghosh clarified that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not seeking a central leadership position but is focused on building a strong alternative platform to challenge the BJP’s dominance in Indian politics.
Speaking about the INDIA alliance, Ghosh said, “Mamata Banerjee has made it clear that she is not interested in any ‘chair’ in Delhi. She is interested in building an alternative platform which can defeat the BJP.”
Ghosh highlighted TMC’s success under Banerjee’s leadership in defeating the BJP in West Bengal and credited the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Hemant Soren for achieving the same in Jharkhand. He also criticized Congress for its failure in states like Haryana and Maharashtra, stating that these shortcomings have led to discussions about Mamata Banerjee as a potential leader for the INDIA bloc.
“Congress should do a self-analysis on why they failed in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Lok Sabha elections,” Ghosh added.
Earlier, Mamata Banerjee expressed gratitude to leaders supporting her for a leadership role within the INDIA alliance. Addressing a gathering in Purba Medinipur, she emphasized unity and collective well-being, saying, “I am grateful to all the leaders who have honoured me. I wish good health to all of them. May they be well, may their party be well. May India be well.”
Prominent leaders like Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav have endorsed Banerjee for the leadership role. Pawar stated, “She is a prominent leader of this nation… she has that capability,” while Yadav remarked, “Congress’ objection means nothing. We will support Mamata. Mamata Banerjee should be given the leadership (of the INDIA Bloc).”
However, the proposition has faced criticism. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary claimed that Lalu’s support for Mamata Banerjee was politically motivated, considering the upcoming 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. “West Bengal elections are approaching. That is why Lalu Prasad Yadav is trying to highlight Mamata Banerjee. She will lose the elections in 2026 and Rahul Gandhi will lose as well,” Chaudhary said.
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee reiterated the sentiment that Mamata Banerjee could provide effective leadership to the INDIA alliance. “We had said earlier that Congress should understand that the INDIA bloc has failed under its leadership. It will be good if Mamata Didi is brought in for leadership (of the INDIA bloc). Out of all the leaders, Mamata Didi’s name is on top when it comes to fighting politically,” he said.