Kolkata: Mamata Banerjee, in a strong statement on Wednesday, announced that the Trinamool Congress will independently contest the elections for Bengal’s 42 Lok Sabha seats. She further stated that any possibility of a pan-India alliance with the Congress will only be considered after the election results are declared. This declaration by Ms Banerjee seems to be the final blow to hopes of an agreement between the two parties, which are considered significant members of the opposition bloc in INDIA.
“I have not had any discussions with the Congress. I have always maintained that in Bengal, we will fight alone. I presented several proposals to them, but they rejected them. I am not concerned about the political scenario in the rest of the country… but in Bengal, we, as a secular party, will be the ones to defeat the BJP.”
In a display of growing tensions, she also criticized Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’, which is scheduled to enter Bengal on Thursday but might skip Kolkata.
“They are coming to my state… but did not have the courtesy to inform me, despite the fact that I am part of the INDIA bloc. Therefore, as far as Bengal is concerned, there is no relationship between us,” she stated to the reporters.
While Ms Banerjee shares a good rapport with Congress matriarch Sonia Gandhi, her relationship with Mr Gandhi is believed to be strained. She has previously made it clear that she is against allowing her ‘ally’ to contest in Bengal.
“INDIA will be present in India (but) in Bengal, it is only the Trinamool Congress that will fight. Only Trinamool can teach the BJP a lesson in Bengal. It can show the country the path to victory…” she had previously stated.
Shortly after, the Congress issued a response via their communications director, Jairam Ramesh. Mr. Ramesh, who is currently accompanying Rahul Gandhi and the yatra in Assam, stated that his party “cannot envision an INDIA bloc without Mamataji.” He further emphasized that “all INDIA partners will collectively contest the Lok Sabha elections in Bengal.”
Ms. Banerjee’s announcement has received a scathing remark from Amit Malviya of the BJP, who referred to it as a “display of desperation.” “Unable to maintain her political influence, Mamata Banerjee intends to contest all seats, hoping that she can still remain relevant after the elections…” posted the BJP’s IT Cell director on X.
The ongoing dispute between Trinamool and Congress regarding seat-sharing, and the broader question of how INDIA can overcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP, has persisted for weeks without any visible resolution, as neither side is willing to compromise. The Congress has consistently disregarded deadlines to finalize an agreement.
On Tuesday, Ms Banerjee criticized the Congress’ “unreasonable” request for 10-12 Lok Sabha seats in her state, highlighting their poor performance. In 2014, they won four seats, and in 2019, only two.
A senior Trinamool leader, speaking anonymously to news agency PTI, revealed, “(Ms Banerjee) stated, ‘Do not consider seat-sharing with Congress’… she offered two seats, but they demanded 10-12”.
Last week, Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh cautioned the Congress against engaging in “unjustified bargaining”.
In the meantime, Ms Banerjee has demonstrated her authority by instructing party leaders in Birbhum and Murshidabad district to independently strategize for the five Lok Sabha seats. This is particularly significant as one of the seats belongs to Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who represents Berhampore constituency.
Despite efforts from both sides to form an alliance, Mr Chowdhury, the Congress’ state unit leader, vehemently opposes sharing seats with the Trinamool and has consistently criticized Ms Banerjee. In response to the offer, he claimed that Ms Banerjee’s success is solely due to the “mercy” of the Congress.
When questioned about these attacks, Rahul Gandhi downplayed the situation, emphasizing the close relationship between Mamata Banerjee, himself, and their respective parties. He stated that it is natural for occasional criticism to occur between the two sides, but it will not disrupt the Congress-TMC relations.
Meanwhile, outside of Bengal, the Trinamool is also dissatisfied with the Congress’ refusal to play a subordinate role to regional parties when necessary. The Congress has faced criticism from Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav for declining to share seats in the upcoming Madhya Pradesh election.
On Monday, Ms Banerjee welcomed the Congress to contest 300 seats independently but urged them to allocate some seats to regional parties that have a better chance of defeating the BJP.
Particular regions should be designated for regional parties to contest independently. I am willing to support them by not competing for those seats. However, they remain stubborn in pursuing their own agenda,” she expressed.
“I possess the capability to confront the BJP, but certain individuals refuse to heed our advice regarding seat-sharing. If you are unwilling to challenge the BJP, then at the very least, refrain from conceding seats to them,” the passionate Trinamool leader asserted.
Ms Banerjee stands out as one of the few opposition leaders who have achieved electoral triumphs against the BJP in recent times, notably securing a resounding victory over the saffron party in the previous Assembly election.
In 2019, she managed to maintain an advantage, winning 22 seats. Nevertheless, this was fewer than the 34 seats won five years ago. Alarmingly, the BJP’s tally surged from two to 18.