Leadership of INDIA Bloc to be Decided Collectively: CM Omar | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday dismissed speculation over projecting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as the face of the opposition INDIA bloc, saying any decision on leadership would be taken collectively by all constituent parties.

Reacting to recent political remarks suggesting Banerjee as a possible leader of the alliance, Abdullah said the issue has not been formally discussed within the bloc.

“So far, there has been no such meeting in the INDIA bloc. I do not know where this projection is coming from,” he told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Gulmarg.

He said individual leaders are entitled to express personal views but stressed that decisions regarding leadership would be taken jointly.

“Anyone can give their personal opinion. They have that right. But in the end, when a decision is made, it will be made by all parties together in the INDIA bloc,” he said.

On the role of the opposition at the national level, Abdullah backed Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, saying he has been effectively raising issues against the ruling BJP.

“He consistently targets the BJP and the government on various issues. That is the responsibility of the Leader of the Opposition. What more is expected?” Abdullah said.

He said that while the Congress may not have a strong electoral presence in every region, the broader responsibility of the INDIA bloc is to collectively oppose the BJP.

“It is the job of the INDIA bloc to oppose the BJP. In that regard, I do not see any shortcoming in Rahul Gandhi’s role,” he added. (KNS).