New Delhi, December 14
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Umar Abdullah acknowledged the growing discontent among other member parties with the Congress in the opposition alliance ‘India’ and said that it should make its place as the leader of the alliance and not take it lightly. should Abdullah acknowledged the Congress’ reach across the country and its important position as the largest opposition party in Parliament. He also emphasized that he must lead and cannot be taken lightly.
He also suggested that the Congress should raise the issue of restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir. In his first interview to this news agency after becoming the Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in October, Abdullah said, “Being the largest party in the Parliament, the position of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha By holding responsibility, they have influence in the country, which no other party can claim. He is the natural leader of the opposition movement.”
“Despite this, there is uneasiness among some allied parties as they feel that the Congress is not doing much to prove, earn or maintain it (leadership),” he said. This is a matter that Congress should consider.”
Abdullah, however, praised former Congress President Sonia Gandhi, calling her a leader of exceptional stature in the opposition alliance. He said, “When the parties involved in the ‘India’ coalition come together, it plays the role of an important leader.” Statements by leaders like Sharad Pawar or Lalu Yadav calling West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee a better leader. Did not directly answer the question asked about However, he highlighted the ‘India’ alliance’s lack of consistent communication and warned that being too active only during elections could endanger the alliance. -News-Patiala
