KOLKATA: In an enormous setback to the OppositionĀ INDIA bloc, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday stated that her occasion TMC will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election in Bengal on all 42 seats. She additional acknowledged that TMC will take into account a pan-India alliance with the Congress-led INDIA bloc solely after the 2024 election outcomes have been declared. Mamata has additionally reportedly instructed the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders and supporters to gear up for a fierce electoral battle on all 42 Lok Sabha seats within the state. During a gathering in Kalighat, Mamata asserted, “Be ready to fight on all seats. I wanted to leave two, but Congress wants twelve.”
She added, “I had no discussions with the Congress occasion. I’ve at all times stated that in Bengal, we’ll struggle alone. I’m not involved about what can be accomplished within the nation however we’re a secular occasion and, in Bengal, we’ll alone defeat BJP. I’m part of the INDIA alliance.”Ā
“I gave many proposals but they rejected them from the beginning. From then, we have decided to fight the elections in Bengal alone,” the TMC chief stated.
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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says “I had no discussions with the Congress party. I have always said that in Bengal, we will fight alone. I am not concerned about what will be done in the country but we are a secular party and in Bengal, we will alone defeat BJP. I am a part ofā¦ pic.twitter.com/VK2HH3arJI
ā ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2024
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The Bengal Chief Minister additionally claimed that she had not been knowledgeable of Rahul Gandhi’s Nyay Yatra passing via Bengal, opposite to claims by the Congress that that they had invited INDIA bloc events to hitch the Yatra.Ā “They did not even bother to inform me that they would be coming to West Bengal as a matter of courtesy even though I am a part of the INDIA bloc. So there is no relation with me as far as Bengal is concerned” Mamata Banerjee stated.
Warning Shots: TMC’s Seat-Sharing Deadlock
With seat-sharing discussions with Congress yielding no outcomes, Mamata had earlier cautioned that TMC is ready to independently contest all 42 Lok Sabha seats if not given the “due importance.” This declaration units the stage for a possible showdown throughout the INDIA bloc.
Strategic Meeting In Murshidabad: Rallying The Troops
Mamata’s message was delivered throughout a closed-door organisational assembly of the occasion’s Murshidabad district unit, recognized for its vital minority inhabitants and historic ties to the Congress. Emphasizing the necessity for victory in all three Lok Sabha seats within the district, Mamata urged TMC staff to be battle-ready.
Congress’ Waning Influence: Bengal’s Political Chessboard
In the 2019 common elections, Congress managed to retain solely the Baharampur seat in West Bengal, highlighting its diminishing political foothold. The state’s political dynamics reveal a posh state of affairs with TMC, Congress, and CPI(M)-led Left Front allying towards the BJP, creating rifts throughout the Opposition.
The INDIA Bloc Turmoil: TMC’s Offer And Congress’ Rejection
Tensions escalated as TMC reportedly supplied Congress solely two seats, a proposal rejected by the grand previous occasion. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, state Congress president, emphasised that Congress wouldn’t “beg” for seats. The fallout raises issues concerning the unity of the Opposition forward of the essential Lok Sabha elections.
Last week, the TMC abstained from an INDIA bloc digital assembly, underscoring the need for Congress to acknowledge its limitations in West Bengal. The ruling occasion emphasised its function in spearheading the state’s political battle, hinting at rising discontent throughout the alliance.
Historical Alliances: TMC’s Past Ties With Congress
The Trinamool Congress had beforehand allied with Congress within the 2001 meeting polls, 2009 Lok Sabha elections, and the 2011 meeting polls, resulting in the ousting of the CPI(M)-led Left Front authorities after 34 years. The present discord between TMC and Congress provides a brand new chapter to their political historical past. With Mamata’s determination to go alone, it now seems that the doorways are closed for the Congress in Bengal. For the INDIA bloc, stitching collectively a formidable alliance has confirmed to be a stumbling block and it seems that now the alliance could not have the ability to put collectively a united entrance towards the BJP.
