Saamana calls on INDIA bloc to settle leadership question: ‘Mamata, Stalin or someone else’

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee with Tamil Nadu counterpart MK Stalin (File Photo)

• Shiv Sena (UBT) urges INDIA bloc to pick a clear leader soon
• Internal rifts in alliance may hurt unity before elections
• Debate grows on whether Mamata, Stalin, or another should lead

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The Shiv Sena (UBT) has said the INDIA bloc stands at a turning point and must move past internal debates to decide who will steer it -- be it Mamata Banerjee, M K Stalin or another leader.

In its Saamana editorial, the party flagged growing internal strains within the alliance and the Congress, warning that such tensions could dent unity as elections approach, with the opposition already facing notable “friendly fire.”

“In West Bengal, Trinamool will challenge Congress; in Kerala, the Left continues to be a competitor; and in Maharashtra, historical local divisions have favored the BJP. While Rahul Gandhi demonstrates a ‘fighting spirit’ against what the opposition describes as ‘dictatorship’, the prolonged absence from power seems to have diminished the urgency among grassroots activists,” the editorial noted.

“Although the current Modi-led government does not hold a full majority and is dependent on alliances, its seeming strength continues to obstruct the opposition. Ultimately, the INDIA bloc must arrive at a consensus regarding a unified direction and a leader- be it Mamata, Stalin, or another individual- to confront the national crisis," it added.

Highlighting post-Lok Sabha poll developments, the editorial said discussions over who should head the alliance have gained momentum, with various sections backing separate leaders.

It stressed that while unity often emerges after election dates are declared, effective strategy demands early clarity on leadership.

“While Mahatma Gandhi once relied on his ‘inner voice’ for spiritual and patriotic direction, the contemporary Congress is experiencing a different type of internal dissonance. Senior leaders and advisors are voicing divergent opinions when unity is crucial for the forthcoming elections in Kerala, Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry," it said.

“The government has skillfully harnessed religious sentiments to sway public opinion, leading some segments of the populace to view international subservience- like to President Trump- as a ‘divine blessing’. In this context, the opposition faces a pressing dilemma: Who will spearhead the effort to counter this narrative?" it asked.