In a veiled critique of the Congress party, Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray has raised the issue of leadership change within the INDIA alliance, suggesting it cannot be overlooked.
With crucial state elections around the corner, the party noted that the alliance is at a crossroads and is facing significant "friendly fire" in these polls.
"In West Bengal, the Trinamool will compete against Congress; in Kerala, the Left remains a rival; and in Maharashtra, local-level splits have historically benefited the BJP," read an editorial in Saamana, the mouthpiece of Shiv Sena (UBT).
The editorial further stressed that the INDIA bloc must move beyond internal debates and determine whether West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin, or another leader will guide the alliance through the national crisis.
"While the current Modi-led government operates without a full majority and relies on alliance 'crutches,' its perceived dominance remains a significant hurdle for the opposition. Ultimately, the INDIA bloc must settle on a unified path and a leader—whether Mamata, Stalin, or someone else—to address the national crisis," it stated.
The Congress party has been at the helm of the INDIA bloc, formed ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to challenge the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. However, following its poor performance in recent polls, several leaders within the alliance have questioned the leadership of Congress and suggested that someone else should take charge.
"The question of leadership change in the INDIA bloc has resurfaced. What happened to the India bloc after the Lok Sabha polls? This is a question many are asking. But has this question crossed Congress's mind?" the Saamana editorial questioned.
It also sharply criticised the grand old party over its internal divisions, stating, "Senior leaders and advisors within Congress have started expressing conflicting views at a time when the party needs cohesion for the upcoming elections in Kerala, Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry."