New Delhi: In a notable endorsement of Rahul Gandhi, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has rejected suggestions of a leadership change within the opposition INDIA bloc. He asserted that Gandhi has been consistently fulfilling the primary responsibility of the Opposition by holding the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party accountable.
Responding to remarks made by senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, who suggested that Mamata Banerjee could lead the alliance instead, Abdullah made it clear that no such proposal has been formally discussed within the bloc. He emphasized that any decision regarding leadership would have to be taken collectively by alliance partners and not based on individual opinions.
Abdullah questioned the basis for calls to replace Gandhi, asking where the Congress leader had failed in challenging the BJP. He said Gandhi has consistently targeted the government and raised issues against it, which he described as the fundamental duty of the Opposition. According to Abdullah, electoral setbacks do not negate the alliance’s responsibility to scrutinize and oppose the ruling party.
The remarks mark a significant shift in tone from Abdullah, who in the past had criticized the functioning of the INDIA bloc and expressed dissatisfaction with certain issues raised by Congress. A few months ago, he had even described the alliance as being on life support. His latest comments, however, signal renewed backing for Gandhi’s leadership role within the opposition framework.
Abdullah reiterated that no meeting of the INDIA bloc has taken up the question of leadership change. He maintained that the matter is not on the alliance’s agenda and dismissed speculation surrounding internal divisions.
