Mamata for PM: West Bengal Polls Drive Leadership Buzz, Not 2029

• Speculation about Mamata Banerjee as a PM face for the Opposition is gaining traction, supported by figures like Sanjaya Baru and parties such as DMK and Shiv Sena (faction).
• Columnist Neerja Chowdhury suggests the buzz is primarily driven by the upcoming West Bengal elections, not long-term 2029 calculations.
• SP chief Akhilesh Yadav deems PM candidate discussions "premature," prioritizing defeating BJP in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
• Banerjee's appeal to women voters and her strong political track record, including defeating the Left Front and pushing back BJP, are cited as reasons for her resonance.
• Despite her achievements, Banerjee's political capital is largely state-specific, and Congress leaders would likely oppose her PM candidature, favoring Rahul Gandhi.