SP names Kharge, Congress stands by Rahul in INDIA bloc leadership debate

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav declared Monday Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as the head of INDIA bloc, diverging from UP Congress chief Ajay Rai's assertion that Rae Bareli MP Rahul Gandhi was the unifying figure and natural leader of the alliance.Ram Gopal's comments came during a media interaction in Saifai when he was asked about recent statements by Rai and Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. "I don't want to comment on other leaders (like Mamata Banerjee) or Ajay (Rai)," he said. "SP wants INDIA bloc to prevail and contest elections together."When pressed on whether SP considers Rahul as the leader of the bloc, Ram Gopal responded: "Gathbandhan ke neta to abhi Kharge sahab hain (For now Kharge is the leader of INDIA bloc)."His remarks contrast sharply with Rai's comments Sunday. "Since the formation of INDIA bloc, Congress has played the role of big brother. Our leader Rahul Gandhi has been the unifying factor of the alliance. So, who else can be a better choice than him to lead it?" Rai had said.Rai's comments reignited debates over leadership within the opposition bloc, drawing reactions from across the political spectrum. Political observers noted that his remarks differ from the developments at INDIA bloc's fifth meeting on Jan 13, where Kharge was declared the alliance chairperson.Adding to the intrigue, SP spokesperson IP Singh took an indirect dig at Rahul's leadership capabilities in a now-deleted post on X. Sharing a picture of Rahul, Singh wrote: "He is hell-bent on not mending his ways. The public and opposition parties have given him many chances, but he lacks leadership. At the age of 55, he has a childish mindset. Like in 1989, the opposition must choose a new leader who can bring about a change in power."The post drew sharp criticism from Congress. Party spokesperson Anshu Awasthi dismissed Singh's remarks, calling him "an incorrigible Sanghi" and pointing to his earlier associations with saffron groups.The exchange highlighted simmering tensions between SP and Congress, which have grown after the latter allegedly snubbed its ally in recent bypolls and failed to support its political initiatives. However, Ram Gopal downplayed the friction, saying: "SP wants INDIA bloc to succeed."