Rahul Gandhi Proposed as PM Candidate by MK Stalin: How Members of ‘Mahagatbandan’ React
The DMK chief’s statement on supporting Congress president as 2019 PM candidate has not been accepted widely among the supporters. Here’s a look at what opposition leaders opine.
New Delhi, December 17: A day after Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s (DMK)’s chief MK Statin proposed Congress president Rahul Gandhi name as Opposition’s face for prime minister in the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha polls, CPI(M)’s general secretary Sitaram Yechury stated that the decision would be taken after the result. Even other regional parties too opined the same.
How members of ‘Mahagatbandan’ react:
MK Stalin, DMK Chief:
In 2018, on the occasion of unveiling Thalaivar Kalaignar statue, I propose, we will install a new prime minister in Delhi. We will build a new India, as the son of Thalaivar Kalaignar, I propose the candidature of Rahul Gandhi from Tamil Nadu. (December 2018).
Sitaram Yechury, General Secretary, CPI(M):
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, we learn from our country's history. A formation that forms an alternative government at the centre comes into existence only post-election. (December 2018)
Mamata Banerjee, TMC chief:
We have taken this very seriously. The entire opposition is taking a closer and serious view of it. The presentation or announcement of any name is not welcoming. This could harm the unity against the opposition parties. (December 2018)
Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi chief:
It will be decided after the elections. However, my terms with the national president of Congress party are very cordial. (May 2018)
Tejashwi Yadav, RJD chief:
Those who ask, "Modi vs who?" I say, "It's Modi vs his promises." (December 2018)
D Raja, CPI:
DMK president MK Stalin has proposed Rahul Gandhi should become the prime ministerial candidate in 2019. All other parties, particularly secular democratic parties, left parties will have to give consideration and deliberate on this issue. Let us see in the coming days how things are going to unfold. (December 2018).
Omar Abdullah, NC leader:
Rahul has a clean and transparent image. He has a communication link with all sections of society. This makes him the fittest person to lead India. (April 2014)
Kamal Nath, MP CM:
I am not sure if people will have a problem... Rahul Gandhi never said he insists on the prime minister's post. This has got to be discussed among all allies without any pre-condition, and the Congress has to go along with that. (December 2018)
With the speculations over the united alliance's PM candidate growing strong and the political parties still skeptical about it, it would be interesting to see who will face Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 17, 2018 05:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).