Mamata backs Rahul as PM candidate; Kharge urges Opposition unity

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she has "no problem" with Rahul Gandhi serving as a Prime Ministerial candidate. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, however, cautioned that the INDIA opposition alliance should prioritize fighting threats to democracy before settling on leadership roles.

Rahul Gandhi described the INDIA bloc as "defenders of the Indian Constitution." The statements reflect ongoing internal discussions within the opposition coalition over its strategic positioning and leadership structure ahead of potential electoral contests.