Lalu Prasad Yadav, the RJD founder, voiced strong support for Mamata Banerjee to lead the INDIA bloc, stating that Congress's objections to this leadership "mean nothing." His remarks came after Mamata Banerjee's comments earlier this month, where she hinted at taking charge of the Opposition alliance, if given the opportunity, while still operating from Bengal.

This leadership dispute within the opposition has surfaced against the backdrop of the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. While Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, has focused on pressing for a discussion on the Adani issue, other members, particularly from Trinamool, have called for the House to function smoothly to address issues like price rise, unemployment, and unrest in Manipur.

Trinamool and Samajwadi Party MPs notably skipped an Opposition protest over the Adani issue, highlighting differences in strategy within the alliance. Congress's stance on the Adani issue, after a U.S. Department of Justice indictment, has led to tensions within the bloc. Meanwhile, Lalu Prasad, Sharad Pawar, and Shiv Sena leaders have expressed their support for Mamata Banerjee's leadership, citing her experience and success in keeping the BJP at bay in Bengal.

The INDIA alliance, formed to unite opposition parties against the BJP, faces challenges in its execution, especially in regions where its partners are electoral rivals. Despite the differences, the alliance aims to present a united front against the ruling party.