Gulmarg, Feb 23 (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday ruled out any discussion within the INDIA alliance regarding a change in leadership, saying that reports projecting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a potential leader of the bloc are speculative.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, Omar Abdullah, as per news agency JKNS, said that no formal meeting of the INDIA bloc has deliberated on leadership matters so far.
He said public commentary and media speculation should not be mistaken for the official stand of the alliance, adding that internal discussions of the bloc are held collectively and in a structured manner.
Reacting to remarks made by senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, the Chief Minister said individuals are free to express personal views, but such opinions do not amount to decisions taken by the alliance.
Backing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Omar said Gandhi has been actively performing his responsibilities as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha by raising issues concerning governance and policy decisions of the BJP-led Union government.
He said the core duty of the opposition is to ensure accountability and present an alternative political vision, and that role is being effectively carried out.
While acknowledging that electoral results may vary, Omar said the larger aim of the INDIA bloc remains to provide a cohesive and united challenge to the BJP.
He reiterated that any future decision regarding leadership within the alliance would only be taken after due consultation and consensus among all partners. (JKNS)
