Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar has backed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s statement that she is willing to take over the Bharat Bloc.
Speaking to reporters in Kolhapur on Saturday, Pawar said the Trinamool Congress chief is a competent leader and has the right to show his willingness to lead the opposition alliance.
Earlier this week, Banerjee said she could handle the dual responsibility of running the opposition front while continuing her role as West Bengal chief minister.
His statement comes at a time when there is widespread tension within the India bloc due to discontent from various regional parties and recent electoral defeats for the Congress in Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and Maharashtra.
When asked about Banerjee’s comments, Pawar said, “She is an able leader in the country and has the right to say so. The MPs she has sent to Parliament are hardworking and conscious.”