‘There is no UPA now,’ says Mamata Banerjee after meeting Sharad Pawar

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said that the United Progressive Alliance did not exist any longer, ANI reported. She was speaking to reporters after meeting Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar at his home in Mumbai.

Responding to a reporter who asked if an Opposition alliance could be formed without the Congress, Banerjee said “a strong alternative” was needed to oust the Bharatiya Janata Party from power.

“[We] cannot do anything about those who can’t fight,” said the Trinamool Congress leader. “Sharadji is the seniormost leader and I came to discuss our political parties. I agree with whatever Sharadji said.”

Another reporter then asked Banerjee if Pawar should be made the chairman of the UPA.

To this, Banerjee replied: “What UPA? There is no UPA now.”

Meanwhile, Pawar said that Banerjee’s intention was to set up a collective leadership. He said that all the Opposition parties were looking at the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

“We have to provide a strong alternative to leadership,” he said. “Our thinking is not for today, but for election. This has to be established and with that intention, she has visited and had a very positive discussion with all of us.”

Watch: Mamata Banerjee quips at Congress, says, “a strong alternative is required who can…

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