The leadership debate within the Opposition INDIA bloc has taken a new turn, with DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin advocating for his father, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, to lead the coalition.
Udhayanidhi, who is the Deputy Chief Minister, stated on Sunday that leaders from other states have been urging his father to lead the fight against the BJP.
"M.K. Stalin is a leader who guides not just Tamil Nadu but the entire country. Several opposition leaders across India believe that a democratic battle against the BJP must be led under MK Stalin's leadership," he said, addressing a gathering in Coimbatore.
Udhayanidhi's remarks came a day after senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar suggested that Mamata Banerjee, the West Bengal Chief Minister, lead the alliance.
"Mamata Banerjee is the leader of this alliance. Along with her, there are two or four others who can achieve this position," Aiyar said during a gathering in Kolkata. "I hope that instead of trying to remain in this position, which belongs to smaller parties—be it Stalin, Mamata Didi, Akhilesh, Tejashwi, or someone else—Rahul Gandhi should let them take charge," he added.
Aiyar had previously put the Congress party in a difficult position by claiming that the Pinarayi Vijayan-led CPI(M) government in Kerala would retain power, just weeks before the state's assembly elections. Congress is the principal opposition party in the state.
The leadership debate within the INDIA bloc gained momentum last week after Shiv Sena (UBT) raised concerns, noting that the alliance is at a crossroads and facing significant "friendly fire" ahead of the upcoming state elections.
An editorial in the party's mouthpiece, Saamana, emphasised the need for the INDIA bloc to move past internal debates and decide whether Mamata Banerjee, M.K. Stalin, or another leader should guide the alliance through the national crisis.
The Congress party has led the INDIA bloc, which was formed ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to challenge the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. However, following its disappointing performance in recent elections, several leaders within the alliance have questioned Congress' leadership and suggested that someone else should take charge.
