Congress reacted cautiously to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s letter to more than a dozen opposition leaders urging them unite against BJP’s “one-party authoritarian rule”.
Congress, the arch-rival of the Trinamool in poll-bound West Bengal, pointed out that it had always spoken in favour of opposition unity on issues of national concern, but refrained from commenting on the Banerjee’s letter which was also addressed to Congress President Sonia Gandhi.
“As far as the letter is concerned, it is addressed to the Congress President and she will take a view on it,” Congress spokesperson Rajeev Shukla told reporters when asked about the Trinamool chief’s letter that came on the eve of the second phase of assembly elections in West Bengal.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, a key strategist of the Congress, also pointed out that he had raised the issue of Centre’s “step-motherly approach” towards non-BJP on disbursal of of funds in the state assembly.
“On the one hand, the Prime Minister speaks of cooperative federalism and on the other he is trying to weaken states financially,” Gehlot said.
Gehlot said the states have not received their full share on GST funds.
Political observers feel that Banerjee, through the letter, was jockeying for the leadership role of a united opposition front against the BJP for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Shiv Sena has already put forward the candidature of NCP chief Sharad Pawar as a possible leader of a rejuvenated UPA with active support from the Congress.
A section of the opposition parties have been upset at Congress’ failure to settle its leadership issue and play the role of the anchor for an opposition front against the BJP.
All eyes are now on the results of the five assembly elections and a Congress win against the BJP in Assam could provide the necessary momentum that is required for unity of opposition forces.