In a bombshell statement, senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has called on Rahul Gandhi to quit INDIA bloc leadership, declaring West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee as the alliance's true face. The remarks, made during a public event in Kolkata on Sunday, have ignited fresh debates on opposition unity amid rising tensions.
Aiyar's Bold Claim on Mamata's Role
Aiyar asserted that without Mamata Banerjee, the "I, N, D, I, A" of the INDIA alliance would vanish. "Mamata Didi is the real leader holding it together," he said, emphasizing her pivotal role. He argued Rahul Gandhi INDIA bloc leadership should shift to regional heavyweights like Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, Akhilesh Yadav, and Tejashwi Yadav for a stronger, decentralized model.
This comes just hours after Aiyar arrived in Kolkata, highlighting why Rahul Gandhi INDIA bloc leadership is under fire now. With Lok Sabha polls looming, regional parties demand more say, making this a timely flashpoint in Indian politics.
From TMC Insider to Congress Critic
Recalling his brief stint as Mamata Banerjee's "right-hand man" in 1997, Aiyar shared he served as TMC's first National Secretary for three weeks. "But as a non-Bengali, I realized it was a Bengali party and left," he explained. This personal anecdote underscores his respect for her influence.
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Key regional leaders Aiyar endorsed: MK Stalin, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav.
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His pitch: Let smaller parties lead to boost INDIA alliance cohesion.
Second Dig at Rahul in a Week
This is Aiyar's second swipe at Rahul Gandhi in six days. On Feb 16, he said he's "Gandhian, Nehruvian, Rajivian—but not Rahulian," citing a 30-year age gap and lack of collaboration. He later clarified it wasn't personal but questioned Rahul Gandhi INDIA bloc leadership suitability.
Strained Congress Ties Spark Backlash
Aiyar's comments follow an interview praising Stalin over Rahul for alliance coordination. Political analysts see this as exposing Congress's fading dominance in the INDIA bloc. "Regional satraps like Mamata Banerjee are gaining ground," says expert Prof. Amitabh Mattoo. "This could fracture opposition strategy."
Takeaway for readers: Watch for Congress responses—these rifts matter as INDIA bloc eyes 2029 polls. A collective leadership might unite diverse voices, but egos could derail it.
In conclusion, Aiyar's outburst signals deeper cracks. Will Rahul Gandhi step back from INDIA bloc leadership? Opposition watchers say unity hangs by a thread.
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