Not the time for ego, Margaret Alva tells Mamata Banerjee

New Delhi, July 22

A day after the Trinamool Congress cited lack of consultation to announce its decision to abstain from the August 6 vice-presidential election, joint Opposition candidate Margaret Alva today said this was no time for ego.

“The TMC’s decision to abstain from voting is disappointing. This is not the time for whataboutery, ego or anger. This is the time for courage, leadership and unity. I believe Mamata Banerjee, who is the epitome of courage, will stand with the Opposition,” Alva (80) said.

The TMC’s move dealt another blow to the Opposition unity after the Shiv Sena, JDS and JMM supported the NDA’s presidential nominee Droupadi Murmu powering her emphatic win in the 16th presidential election yesterday. National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah said,

“The Opposition unity is a bit of a chimera. Ultimately, political parties will do what’s in their own interest and that’s as it should be. J&K saw this when we were left high and dry by ‘friends’ in 2019.”