New Delhi: Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Monday, February 23, said that M.K. Stalin is “best-suited” to serve as convenor of the INDIA bloc. Aiyar argued that a smaller partner at the helm would better ensure alliance unity than a dominant one.
Speaking to PTI, Aiyar elaborated on why the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister would be the ideal choice for leading the bloc, stressing that a strong INDIA alliance is crucial for securing victory in the 2029 general elections, a win he said is necessary for Rahul Gandhi to become Prime Minister.
Aiyar suggested that Stalin could steer the alliance at the national level while his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, and his associates manage state governance after the upcoming polls.
“Under the current circumstances, with 2029 as the goal, no one is better-suited to lead the INDIA bloc than Dalapaty Mu. Ka. Stalin,” Aiyar, speaking from Chennai, told PTI. He added that Congress, as the dominant partner, need not fear Stalin taking the lead.
Citing the DMK’s long-standing reliability as an ally, Aiyar highlighted Stalin’s consensus-building skills, “impeccable secular credentials,” and his ability to identify issues that resonate with the public. Drawing a parallel with history, Aiyar referred to how India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had turned to K. Kamaraj to lead the Congress after the 1962 China debacle, describing Stalin as the potential “Kamarajar of the 21st century.”
Aiyar’s remarks come amid growing strains with Congress. Last week in Thiruvananthapuram, he had expressed confidence that Pinarayi Vijayan of the CPI(M) would continue as Kerala’s Chief Minister. The party distanced itself from Aiyar’s comments, noting that he has had no official connection with Congress in recent years and speaks solely in a personal capacity.
Aiyar has also publicly criticised senior Congress leaders. In a series of remarks last week, he labelled Shashi Tharoor an “unprincipled careerist,” called K.C. Venugopal a “rowdy,” and took a swipe at veteran Ramesh Chennithala, showcasing his ongoing feud with party colleagues.
With PTI inputs