Not PM post, Banerjee just wants BJP defeated in 2019
What's the story
Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee has said she is not eyeing the Prime Minister's post and that her only motive was to see Bharatiya Janata Party's defeat in 2019 General elections. Banerjee met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday and said all parties will fight under 'collective leadership' to defeat BJP. Here's more about this.
The statement
We're all kings, says Banerjee about nature of coalition
When asked about the nature of this coalition, Banerjee quoted legendary poet Rabindranath Tagore and said, "One of his songs say we all are kings. That will be the nature of the Opposition unity." She asserted the BJP was nervous as they know they would lose 2019. Banerjee added the meeting with Gandhis was to discuss how all parties can work together.
The idea
Parties will decide about PM post after defeating BJP: Banerjee
Banerjee met a number of leaders from DMK, JD(S), YSR (Congress), and TDP in New Delhi and extended invitations for her January 19 rally. When probed about the PM candidate of this alliance, Banerjee said, "I am not for any post. I am interested in seeing that all parties come together. All parties will sit together and decide, after defeating BJP."
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Politics and changing relations: In Bengal, it's Congress v/s TMC
While Banerjee is doing all she can to form a grand alliance before parliamentary elections, things are quite different in her own state. Two years ago, Congress informally joined hands with CPI(M) led Left in assembly polls. Now, they are planning to take on BJP.
The plan
Further, Banerjee reveals details as to how Opposition might work
Banerjee said the plan was to field the strongest Opposition leader from each constituency. When she was asked if she was the glue holding everyone together, she said she maintained good relationship with everyone. Speaking on the united front, former parliamentary affairs secretary, Afzal Amanullah said the Opposition should only focus on creating a strong alliance. The leader can be decided later, he said.