Not quite in sync with her earlier statements on whether she wanted to lead a united Opposition alliance against the Narendra Modi Government, the Bengal Chief Minister on Wednesday told Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe that her being the Opposition face depends upon the people of the country before saying there were chances of the Opposition coming to “position” (read power).
The two leaders bumped into each other at Dubai Airport when the Sri Lanka President during a short interaction enquired whether she was leading the Opposition alliance.
Apparently unprepared for such a question Banerjee regained her poise and said “Oh my God,” before adding “It depends upon the people.”
Apparently having not heard her reply Wickremesinghe once again enquired from someone else “Is she going to lead the opposition alliance?” to which she mildly said, “I replied it sir!” and then quipped, “it depends upon the people … if people support us then the opposition may be in position (power) also.”
Later the Chief Minister posted on X (erstwhile Twitter) “HisExcellency the President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe saw me at the Dubai International Airport Lounge and called me to join for some discussion.
I have been humbled by his greetings and (have) invited him to the Bengal Global Business Summit 2023 in Kolkata.”