NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Rout on Monday weighed in on the ongoing discussion around the relevance of the INDIA-bloc and reiterated his stance that Congress should take the lead in initiating dialogue.
Addressing the media, Raut emphasised that Congress should take responsibility for being the elder brother in the alliance. He also praised the success of the alliance in stopping the BJP-led NDA from getting the majority in the 2024 general elections.
“INDIA-bloc fought the Lok Sabha elections really well but no meeting of the alliance was held after that, which is unfortunate. This is the responsibility of Congress as it is in the role of elder brother, not ours”, said Raut.
Talks around the relevance of the INDIA-bloc surfaced after J&K CM Omar Abdullah had commented that the alliance should be winded up if such unclarity in the camp continues, caused by the lack of necessary communication and meetings.
“It would be good if all the stakeholders of the INDIA bloc are called, and there is clarity on whether this was only for the parliamentary elections. If so, then wind it up, and we will continue our work separately”, Abdullah had said.
Raut had previously also commented on their MVA partner’s pivotal role in sustaining the alliance and had said “It is the responsibility of Congress to save India Bloc”.
Shiv Sena UBT leader stressed that if the alliance is to be saved, communication should be strengthened among the parties of the bloc. He said, “In the coming days, if the INDI alliance has to be saved or made stronger, then first of all dialogue is necessary.”
