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Pune:

Reacting to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s reported statement about being “willing to lead the INDIA alliance,” NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule said that they would be happy if the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief took on more responsibility within the opposition alliance.

Speaking to the news agency ANI, Ms Sule stated that the West Bengal Chief Minister is an integral part of the INDIA bloc.

“Mamata Banerjee is absolutely an integral part of the INDIA alliance. In a vibrant democracy, the opposition has a big role and responsibility, so if she wants to take more responsibility, we will be very happy,” she told ANI.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also said that Ms Banerjee has shown a successful model in West Bengal where she has kept the BJP away from power.

“She has put forward her statement. Because she has shown a successful model in West Bengal where she has kept the BJP away from power and implemented good welfare schemes… Her election experience and fighting spirit, accordingly she has shared her interest. Whenever the INDIA bloc meeting takes place, our senior leaders will together take a decision,” Ms Chaturvedi said.

Earlier this week, in response to a query regarding TMC leaders suggesting that Mamata Banerjee should be made the INDIA bloc leader days after Congress faced a crushing defeat in Maharashtra assembly polls, party MP Kirti Azad said that the TMC chief takes everyone along.

“Mamata Banerjee has a 100 percent record. Whenever Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced a humiliating defeat, it was only in West Bengal… Whenever he comes to insult Bengal and its honour, her vote share increases,” he said.

He further said that Mamata Banerjee is known for her articulate views. “She is a very senior leader. She speaks clearly.”

He also said that Ms Banerjee is a household name across the country.

“She (Mamata Banerjee) resides in every household in West Bengal, in every household in the country… Mamata Banerjee is someone who takes everyone together. She calls people only after making preparations and taking her time,” he said.

Last month, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee suggested that one strong leader is needed to lead the INDIA bloc following the defeat of Congress in the Haryana and Maharashtra assembly elections. He further said that the opposition alliance should be stronger to take on the BJP.

“The Congress has failed to achieve the desired result either in Haryana or in Maharashtra. We had tremendous hope from the Congress that they would do better. The INDIA alliance is there, but the expected result could not be achieved. And there is a great failure on the part of the Congress to achieve the result… Today it is necessary; if you want to fight against the BJP, the INDIA alliance should be stronger. And to make it stronger, one leader is required. Now who can be the leader? That’s the core question. Congress has done it. All experiments have been done, but they have failed…” Mr Banerjee had said.