Mani Shankar Aiyar Declares Mamata Banerjee Indispensable for INDIA Bloc
In a series of provocative statements, veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has positioned West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as the central figure for the survival of the opposition INDIA alliance. Speaking to news agency IANS, Aiyar emphasized that without Banerjee's leadership, the bloc would collapse, stating, "Without Mamata di, the 'I', 'N', 'D', 'I', 'A' of the INDIA alliance will all be gone. Because Mamata Banerjee is the leader of this alliance."
Aiyar Urges Rahul Gandhi to Cede Control to Smaller Parties
Aiyar further suggested that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should allow leaders of smaller regional parties to steer the INDIA bloc. He specifically named figures like MK Stalin, Akhilesh Yadav, and Tejashwi Yadav, arguing that the alliance's leadership should rest with them rather than with the Congress. "I hope that instead of trying to remain in this position, which belongs to smaller parties, Rahul Gandhi should let them handle it," he added, highlighting his vision for a more decentralized opposition front.
Recalling Political Ties and Facing Possible Expulsion
Reflecting on his early political career, Aiyar revealed that he briefly joined the Trinamool Congress in 1997, serving as its first National Secretary before leaving within weeks. He concluded that the party was deeply rooted in Bengali identity, a factor that influenced his departure. When questioned about his current status in the Congress, Aiyar expressed uncertainty, noting, "I consider myself to be in Congress, but it seems they may have decided to expel me. However, I have not received any formal letter." He added that despite reports of his expulsion, no official communication had reached him, and he encouraged others to seek the party's view from active Congress members.
Escalating Tensions with Congress Leadership
The situation intensified when Aiyar, in an interview with ANI, openly dismissed the authority of the current Congress leadership. He declared, "I am a Gandhian, I am a Nehruvian, I am a Rajivian, but I am not a Rahulian," invoking BR Ambedkar's concept of dissent as being "a part but apart." His tone turned confrontational as he targeted Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, stating, "I have absolutely no respect and complete contempt for Pawan Khera… He is not a spokesperson, he is a parrot."
Congress Distances Itself from Aiyar's Remarks
Within hours of these comments, the Congress party moved swiftly to distance itself from Aiyar. Pawan Khera issued a statement on X, clarifying, "Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar has had no connection whatsoever with the Congress for the past few years. He speaks and writes purely in his personal capacity." This public severance underscores the growing rift between Aiyar and the party he has long been associated with.
Background and Earlier Praise for Kerala Government
Earlier, Aiyar had praised the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, expressing hope for its victory in the upcoming elections. This endorsement, combined with his recent remarks, paints a picture of a leader increasingly at odds with his own party while aligning with broader opposition forces. Aiyar's statements suggest he believes many within the Congress support Mamata Banerjee, further complicating the internal dynamics of the INDIA bloc.
The unfolding scenario highlights the challenges facing the opposition alliance as it navigates leadership disputes and ideological differences ahead of crucial electoral battles.
