Oppn alliance sans Congress not possible: Bhupesh Baghel

New Delhi, December 5

With disunity growing in the Opposition camp, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel on Sunday said there was nothing wrong with TMC chief Mamata Banerjee aspiring to become the main Opposition leader, but she “must clarify whether she will achieve that goal by fighting the ruling BJP or by fighting fellow Opposition parties”.

He said no Opposition alliance was possible at the national level without the Congress, which has to be the main pillar of the bloc taking on the BJP. Baghel, Congress in charge for UP elections, also attacked poll strategist Prashant Kishor for suggesting that no individual had a divine right to the Congress presidency.

“He is acting like another Kangana Ranaut by offering unsolicited advice and speaking without ideological basis. Does he have any ideology, any party or organisation? He is a professional who works for money,” Baghel said.

He dismissed the tag of political dynasty against the Gandhi family and said the BJP needed to look within and answer who Jyotiraditya Scindia and Jitin Prasad were? In a veiled swipe at “G-23” leaders, Baghel asked why they did not elect a party chief when they had their chance? — TNS