It’s not what Mamata Banerjee said that should grab attention. It’s what she insinuated or left unsaid that is slowly dawning on the Congress and has rendered its leaders angry but helpless.
When Mamata Banerjee, backed by Arvind Kejriwal, suggested Mallikarjun Kharge as the opposition INDIA bloc’s prime ministerial face for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls against PM Narendra Modi, most were left stunned. Kharge, a shrewd politician, understood the message. And, hence, the immediate clarification that one should wait for the results.
Mamata’s “yes” to Kharge suggested a “no” to a Gandhi being the face. There is little doubt about the fact that Mamata has been more comfortable with Sonia Gandhi than Rahul. She has often indicated in the past that Rahul needs more time to mature, and he has time.
Also, she can never forget the fact that it was Rahul who was keen on and has a soft corner for the Left. Plus, she is believed to have been upset with Rahul’s rant on the Adani issue at the Mumbai INDIA meet.
It’s a fact that many in the Trinamool Congress and Aam Aadmi Party feel that Rahul being the PM face would give the edge to Modi even further. That he would be the BJP’s asset. Instead, a Dalit like Kharge, someone who comes from a humble background, would negate the “entitled” tag the Gandhis bear.
Also, there’s the age factor. In the past, Sharad Pawar refused to work under a younger Rahul. The same is the case with Mamata.
Add to this the fact that Congress leaders have always projected Rahul as their PM candidate. At least three leaders News18 spoke to refused to come on record. Their dilemma: they can’t reject Kharge but cannot accept the rejection of Rahul as PM either.
The question is, will Mamata and Kejriwal’s inferred preference for a non-Gandhi strain INDIA’s ties?
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