Mamata backs Rahul as PM, Kharge seeks opposition unity

Congress Parliamentary Party President Sonia Gandhi, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule and others during a press conference after INDIA Bloc coordination meeting on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Special Intensive Review (SIR) exercise in New Delhi on September 30, 2026. | Photo credit: PTI

Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has backed opposition leader Rahul Gandhi as the face of an opposition alliance, telling leaders at an INDIA bloc meeting on Wednesday (30 Sep 2026) that she would have no objection if Mr Gandhi became prime minister.

But her remarks were immediately met with a warning from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who said the purpose of the rally was not to discuss leadership positions but to create a unified response to the challenges facing the country.

Sources said Ms Banerjee has repeatedly emphasized the need for cooperation from all opposition parties and said she is ready to contribute as a mere worker. Stressing that she has “no ego”, she cited her contact with Biju Janata Dal leader Naveen Patnaik and referred to her recent conversation with CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby, despite the Trinamool Congress and the Left being long-time political rivals in West Bengal.

Pointing to Mr Gandhi, Ms Banerjee said: “If Rahul Gandhi becomes the Prime Minister, I have no problem.”

Mr Kharge intervened soon after, saying the purpose of the meeting was not to decide who would occupy the top post, but to stand together to “save the country”.

Leaders present at the meeting described the atmosphere as markedly different from the previous meeting of the INDIA bloc on June 8. Wednesday’s (September 30, 2026) discussions were marked by Congress’ willingness to accommodate proposals from all parties.

Ideas raised by Mr. Baba for collective representation to the President, CPI (ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya to launch an agitation on “vote chori” (vote theft) for Delhi and capitals and Rajya Sabha Independent Member Kapil Sibal to legally challenge the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment Authority, Bill) accepted.

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav suggested that there is a growing need for the INDIA bloc to speak with one voice for which it should have a designated spokesperson. The bloc agreed that a sub-committee should be formed to make day-to-day decisions.

Speaking at the end of the meeting, Mr. Gandhi emphasized the importance of collective action and cooperation among alliance partners. He said the Congress was ready to work with “humility” along with other parties and asserted that the alliance had a historic responsibility to defend democratic institutions.

“History will remember this group sitting here today as the one who defended the Constitution of India,” he said.

Mr. Gandhi later returned to the same theme at a joint press conference. “Together we are the defenders of India’s constitution,” he said, adding that the coming months would be politically significant and that the opposition intended to intensify its campaign against the government.

Published – 30 Sep 2026 22:53 IST