Mani Shankar Aiyar supports Mamata Banerjee as potential leader of INDIA bloc

Former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar has suggested that the Congress party should be open to not leading the opposition INDIA bloc. He believes leaders like Mamata Banerjee have the capability to take charge. Aiyar emphasized that while Congress will remain a significant player, it does not need to be the sole leader. He stated that Rahul Gandhi would receive more respect as Leader of Opposition than as president of the bloc. He also discussed the need for party reform, referencing a 1990 report on democratization within Congress. Aiyar expressed skepticism about internal changes and highlighted the importance of strong alliances for future electoral success.