Lalu Prasad Yadav Backs Mamata Banerjee to Lead INDIA Alliance, Igniting Debate on Congress' Role

In a significant political development, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Tuesday endorsed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as the leader of the united opposition INDIA alliance, fuelling a renewed debate over Congress' position within the bloc. Yadav's comments, made in response to a question about Banerjee's recent remarks, have added further complexity to the evolving dynamics within the opposition camp in the aftermath of 2024 general elections.

During an interview with a television channel, Mamata Banerjee expressed her willingness to lead the INDIA alliance, stating that she would step forward if there was unanimous agreement. “I am ready to lead if everyone agrees,” she had said. When asked about her comments, Lalu Prasad Yadav was quick to voice his support, saying, “Theek hai, de dena chaahiye. Ham sahmat hain” (It's fine, she should be given the responsibility. We are in agreement). Asked if the Congress would have any objections to this, Yadav responded bluntly, “It doesn’t matter… Mamata ko de do” (Give the responsibility to Mamata).

This endorsement from the RJD leader is particularly noteworthy given his party's close ties with the Gandhi family and its key role as an ally of Congress in Bihar. Yadav's comments came just days after Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar also praised Banerjee's leadership credentials. Pawar, speaking about Banerjee's assertion, called it justified, stating, "She is a capable leader and has the right to say it. The MPs she has sent to Parliament are hardworking and aware."

Banerjee’s remarks and the subsequent support from key opposition leaders raise questions about the future leadership structure of the INDIA alliance, a coalition of opposition parties formed to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Notably, it was Mamata Banerjee herself who had proposed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge as the leader of the alliance during the INDIA bloc's New Delhi meeting in December 2023, ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections. However, Kharge turned down the proposal, citing concerns about turning the election into a direct contest between the opposition and Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Despite Congress performing well in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and increasing its tally to 99 seats, the party has faced setbacks in subsequent state elections. The most recent defeats in Haryana and Maharashtra have further weakened its standing within the opposition.

In a recent interview with News18 Bangla, Mamata Banerjee reiterated her stance, stating, "I had formed the INDIA bloc, now it is up to those leading the front to manage it. If they can't run the show, what can I do? I would just say that everyone needs to be taken along…If given the opportunity I would ensure its smooth functioning. I don't want to go outside West Bengal, but I can run it from here."

Interestingly Trinamool Congress (TMC), has largely distanced itself from the INDIA alliance’s recent proceedings. TMC has chosen not to participate in the INDIA bloc meetings during the ongoing winter session of Parliament, with TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee asserting that his party’s focus is on pressing issues affecting the common people, such as inflation, the ongoing crisis in Manipur, and the plight of farmers.

"We want the Parliament to function as there are many issues to be highlighted – ranging from inflation to Manipur; from non-payment of dues to the poor in Bengal to price rise," he said. "It is for Congress to decide if they want to endorse our issues,” he added.

As the opposition parties grapple with leadership questions and strategic differences, Lalu Prasad Yadav's unequivocal support for Mamata Banerjee could be seen as a significant shift in the political landscape, especially with Bihar elections expected in 2025.​