Says alliance yet to discuss change; LoP in Lok Sabha playing his role

Waris Fayaz

Gulmarg, Feb 23 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday dismissed reports projecting Mamata Banerjee as a potential leader of the INDIA bloc, stating that no discussion on leadership change has taken place within the opposition alliance so far.

Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg, CM, Omar Abdullah as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said there has been no meeting of the INDIA bloc where leadership issues were formally discussed. He said speculation being circulated in public discourse does not reflect the alliance’s internal position.

Referring to recent remarks by Mani Shankar Aiyar, the Chief Minister said individual leaders are entitled to express personal opinions, but such statements cannot be treated as decisions of the alliance.

He added that any leadership decision would be taken collectively after consultations among all partners.

Backing Rahul Gandhi, CM Omar said Gandhi has been effectively performing the role of Leader of the Opposition by consistently questioning the BJP and the Union government on policy and governance matters.

He said the responsibility of the opposition is to hold the government accountable and Gandhi has been fulfilling that role.

He acknowledged that electoral outcomes may not always favour the Congress but said the broader objective of the INDIA bloc remains to provide a united political challenge to the BJP.

He reiterated that discussions within the alliance are conducted internally and any decision regarding leadership would emerge only through consensus—(KNO)