Mamata Banerjee’s first reaction after Opposition leaders back her as INDIA bloc leader: ‘Grateful to…’

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief Mamata Banarjee on Wednesday thanked Opposition leaders after they backed her as the leader of INDIA bloc amid discussions about leadership change.

"I am grateful to all the leaders who have honoured me. I wish good health to all of them. May they be well, may their party be well. May India be well," she said.

Mamata made the remark while addressing a gathering in Purba Medinipur, and emphasizing unity and well-being.

Several opposition leaders, including Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and former Bihar Chief Minister and Union Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, have backed Mamata.

"Yes, certainly (she is capable of leading the alliance). She is a prominent leader of this nation... she has that capability," said Pawar, expressing his support for Mamata Banerjee.

"The elected leaders she sent to Parliament are responsible, dutiful, and well-aware people. Therefore, she has the right to say so," Pawar added.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is at present the chairman of the Opposition grouping, formed before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The YSR Congress Party, which is currently not a part of the INDIA bloc, reiterated its support for Banerjee, calling her the "most capable leader to lead the bloc".

Endorsing the Trinamool Congress chief as the leader of the INDIA bloc, Trinamool Congress leader Sushmita Dev said, "Her consistent record on good governance and the ability to comprehensively defeat the BJP electorally, has spurred many leaders across the country to see her in a larger leadership role".

"Also, her ability to take everybody along is appreciated. The INDIA bloc is united in its strategy to defeat the BJP," she added.

YSRCP Rajya Sabha MP Vijayasai Reddy said Banerjee could better handle INDIA bloc parties.

"Didi Mamata ji is capable and has experience, leading one of the largest states, handling different portfolios and holding different positions from time to time.