Is Mamata emerging as an alternative to Modi in 2019?

January 20: The “United India Rally” organised by Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Saturday where more than 15 opposition parties came together perhaps gave a subtle signal to the future planning made by the Grand Alliance. The TMC chief, who had rolled out the red carpet for a united opposition’s meet at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground, also warned the BJP against any riots in the name of Rath Yatra across the state. Though big shots from different political parties graced the occasion but the reigns of the event was all throughout in the hands of ‘Didi’.

Hardik Patel and Jignesh Mevani from Gujarat, rebel BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha, leaders from the North-East – Lalduhama and Gegong Apang, Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie all seemed to heap praise on the Trinamool Supremo. Arun Shourie said, “Up until now there was one person uniting the Opposition – Narendra Modi. But now that Bengal’s sherni has taken the initiative, it will definitely gain fruition.” M.K. Stalin went a step forward and said, ” There are few people Modi is scared of and Mamata Banerjee is one of them. Modi-Shah are scared of stepping into Bengal soil.”

Her influence though not in a mass scale but yet could well be now seen in Assam. Many party supporters from North Eastern states including Assam participated in the “United India Rally”. Though there is no much fan following of Mamata in Assam but her Bengali lineage has been able to carve a niche in the hearts of many Bengali speaking populace of Barak Valley. Dr. M. Shanti Kumar Singha, a staunch supporter of Trinamool Congress (TMC) along with some of other supporters went to Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground to attend the “United India Rally.” In a press release, Dr. M. Shanti Kumar Singha expressed optimism and said that people in the valley are now showing keen interest in the party. He was confident that that TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee will always rally beside the Bengali speaking populace.

The “United India Rally” at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground was perhaps an indication that Mamata Banerjee has made the first move in the 2019 chessboard. The big question remains: “Is Mamata emerging as an alternative to Modi in 2019?”