Mamata to contest alone in Bengal, after failed INDIA seat-sharing

PTC News Desk: In a significant development, Mamata Banerjee, the Chief of Trinamool Congress, declared on Wednesday that her party would independently contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Bengal. This decision came after her seat-sharing proposals with the INDIA opposition bloc, including the Congress, were rejected, dealing a blow to the opposition's united front against the ruling BJP.

Banerjee revealed, "Whatever proposal I gave them, they have refused all. Since then, we have decided to go alone in Bengal." The announcement followed a public exchange of criticisms between Banerjee and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. Chowdhury labeled Banerjee as an opportunist, asserting that the Congress would contest the elections without her assistance.

This verbal sparring unfolded amidst reports suggesting that the TMC is poised to field candidates in all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal. Attempting to defuse tensions, Rahul Gandhi, the former Congress president, extended an olive branch to Mamata Banerjee, stating she was "close to him," and Chowdhury's comments on seat-sharing talks "won't matter."

However, Banerjee expressed her dissatisfaction with the Congress, emphasizing that the grand old party did not even inform her about their planned Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in West Bengal. "As a matter of courtesy, they haven't even informed me they are going to hold a yatra in Bengal," she remarked. Mamata Banerjee's decision to go solo in Bengal disrupts the opposition's efforts to present a united front against the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Emphasising the importance of regional parties taking on the BJP in their respective areas, Banerjee suggested that the Congress focus on contesting BJP in 300 seats.

Also Read: Tragic crash claims 6 lives: Plane carrying workers down in Canada's far north

Also Read: Ram Lalla darshan day 2: Massive crowds flock for Ram Lalla darshan

However, she cautioned that interference from the Congress in regional matters might prompt regional parties to "rethink" their approach, hinting at the delicate dynamics within the opposition alliance. The unfolding scenario sets the stage for a complex and potentially fractured political landscape in West Bengal as the 2024 elections approach.

Also Read: Cold wave tightens grip: Chandigarh chilled at 3.6°C, Punjab and Haryana feel the chill

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi alleges corruption, Amit Shah's control over Himanta Sarma post Assam clash

(Inputs from agencies)