Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership praised by Shiv Sena (UBT) for INDIA Bloc

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): The issue of leadership within the INDIA alliance has stirred significant debate, particularly after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed dissatisfaction with the current leadership and showed interest in taking charge. In response, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey on Wednesday stated that while Mamata Banerjee is a capable leader, party chief Uddhav Thackeray would be the best-suited person to lead the opposition alliance. Dubey acknowledged Mamata Banerjee’s strength, noting her success in halting Prime Minister Modi’s political momentum in Bengal twice, in 2016 and 2021, calling her a formidable leader who challenges Modi effectively.

However, Dubey emphasized that Uddhav Thackeray "possesses all the qualities necessary" to unite and lead the alliance. He described Thackeray as a leader who is "calm by nature, knowledgeable, articulate, and a flag-bearer of Hindutva." Dubey added that Thackeray seeks to guide the country toward development and would be more effective than anyone else in running the INDIA bloc.

The INDIA bloc, initially conceived with the involvement of Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar, has seen Kumar’s dissatisfaction with the alliance lead him to align with the BJP. Since then, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a prominent figure in the Opposition, though his repeated losses in state elections have raised questions about his leadership. While Dubey acknowledged Gandhi's contributions as Leader of the Opposition, he suggested that the immense burden on him could be shared by others. "If someone else also takes on the INDIA bloc leadership, what's wrong with that? Rahul Gandhi himself should consider sharing responsibilities to strengthen the alliance," Dubey said.

Using a cricket analogy, Dubey compared the need for collective effort in politics to a cricket team, where the captain changes every few years but the team succeeds when everyone contributes. He emphasized that defeating PM Modi in 2024 requires unity and collective performance. Dubey also voiced concerns about Mamata Banerjee's potential departure from the bloc, which could weaken the fight against Modi. He stressed the need for a solution through dialogue, saying, "If Mamata also leaves like Nitish Kumar, it will weaken the fight against Modi."

Interestingly, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), which is not part of the INDIA bloc, has also expressed support for Mamata Banerjee. As speculation about leadership intensifies, Dubey reiterated that the alliance must act decisively to counter the BJP’s preparations for the 2024 elections and beyond. "We will have to perform well. Otherwise, we saw the 2024, 2019, and 2014 elections. Should we keep watching like that? Now, the BJP must have started preparing for 2029; it will not be sitting at home," he said.

In conclusion, Dubey reiterated his backing for Uddhav Thackeray, calling him the ideal leader with qualities such as calmness, focus on development, and the ability to unify diverse factions. As the leadership debate continues, the INDIA bloc faces a crucial challenge in balancing individual ambitions and unity to mount a serious challenge against the BJP in the upcoming general elections.