1. Rahul Gandhi underscores West Bengal’s crucial role in guiding the nation.
2. Emphasis on setting the right path during the ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ in Siliguri.
3. Tensions rise amid growing differences with alliance partner Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Kolkata, Jan 29: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi emphasized the crucial role of West Bengal in guiding the nation, stating that India would not forgive the state if it fails to set the right path.
The remarks were made during the ongoing ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ in Siliguri, North Bengal, amidst growing differences between Congress and its alliance partner Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Gandhi expressed gratitude for the love received from West Bengal and highlighted its historical significance in the fight against the British.
He called on the people of Bengal to fulfill their duty in leading the nation, akin to the legacies of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Swami Vivekananda, cautioning that the country would not forgive them if they falter.
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The comments followed TMC’s announcement ruling out an alliance with Congress in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and the Janata Dal (United) quitting the INDIA bloc to join hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
During the yatra, Gandhi, accompanied by party leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, refrained from addressing the seat-sharing impasse in Bengal or the crisis in Bihar, where the TMC cited Chowdhury’s attacks on Mamata Banerjee as a reason for going solo in the polls.
Gandhi acknowledged Bengal’s unique intellectual prowess, urging its people to unite the nation, emphasizing their responsibility in shaping the country’s future.
Jairam Ramesh, Congress’s communication chief, reiterated TMC’s significance in the INDIA coalition, emphasizing the shared goal of defeating the BJP.
However, the TMC remained steadfast, criticizing Congress for not showing respect to other parties and accusing Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury of targeting Mamata Banerjee using unparliamentary language, suggesting his removal.
