1. Internal discord in Opposition INDIA bloc over seat-sharing revealed in West Bengal.
2. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury accuses Mamata Banerjee of “serving” PM Modi, signalling tensions.
3. Chowdhury asserts Congress’s capability to contest elections independently, suggesting a strained alliance.
Kolkata, Jan 04: In a clear sign of internal discord within the Opposition INDIA bloc regarding seat-sharing, West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of being preoccupied with “serving” Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Chowdhury asserted that Banerjee was not interested in allying with the Congress and boldly stated that the grand old party is fully capable of contesting elections independently in the upcoming general election.
“We did not ask for alms. Mamata Banerjee herself said she wanted an alliance. We do not need Mamata Banerjee’s mercy. We can contest elections on our own. Mamata Banerjee doesn’t want an alliance as she is busy serving PM Modi,” remarked Chowdhury during interactions with reporters.
The comments from the Congress leader come in response to reports suggesting that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has offered two seats to the Congress in West Bengal for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
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Sources reveal that the TMC’s stance is based on the belief that the dominant party in the state should have the final say on seat-sharing.
The seat-sharing figures, as per sources, are determined through a clear formula considering both the imminent parliamentary election and the state assembly polls.
Furthermore, the TMC has reaffirmed its preference for Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge as the convenor of the INDIA bloc.
Party sources indicate that while the TMC holds no objections to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, they believe Kharge would have a more significant impact as the convenor of the Opposition alliance.
The TMC also emphasizes that Kharge, belonging to the Dalit community, is a preferable choice as he can exert influence in 58 seats, according to sources.
The Opposition INDIA bloc, during its meeting in Delhi in December, decided to expedite the seat-sharing talks for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The TMC had initially requested finalizing the seat-sharing details by December 31, 2023, a deadline that has passed with the INDIA bloc yet to reach a consensus on the matter.
