Mamata Banerjee Decides to Go Solo in Bengal Elections, No Ties with Congress – I.N.D.I.A Alliance Rift Deepens

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has unequivocally stated that her party will contest the upcoming elections independently, ruling out any alliance with the Congress. Banerjee, who is seeking to lead her party in all constituencies across West Bengal, has firmly decided against forming an alliance with the Congress for the upcoming elections. Despite speculation about her potential collaboration with opposition forces, Banerjee has not entertained any proposals in this regard.

The Chief Minister, known for her decisive stance and assertive politics, has refrained from concealing incidents of violence that occurred in the state post-elections and has distanced herself from appeasement politics. Following the state elections, Banerjee strategically distanced herself from the Indian National Congress (INC), replacing the prominent face of Mallikarjun Kharge in the India Alliance.

Addressing queries about a potential alliance with the Congress, Banerjee stated, “There has been no discussion regarding a partnership with the Congress. We have always maintained that we will contest alone. While uncertainty looms over the national scenario, our focus in Bengal remains singular – defeating BJP. I am currently part of the I.N.D.I.A alliance, and as of now, I have not received any information about Rahul Gandhi’s justice yatra spreading to our state.”

Reports suggest that Congress is demanding 10 to 12 seats for the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, while the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is inclined to concede only two seats, the same seats it won in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. These seats have been a bone of contention between the two parties, and the Left parties in Bengal are also part of the I.N.D.I.A alliance along with TMC and Congress.

Mamata Takes on BJP, Avoids Mentioning Congress in Electoral Strategy

In a significant political development, Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, has hinted at a competitive stance against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming elections, without explicitly mentioning the Indian National Congress (INC). Just two days ago, Mamata asserted that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) possesses the strength and support to contest against the BJP in the elections. While she refrained from taking the Congress’s name, Mamata emphasized that those not willing to fight against the BJP should not expect any cooperation.

Addressing the Congress indirectly, she stated, “If you (Congress) do not wish to fight against the BJP, then you will not contest. At the very least, extend an invitation to us (TMC) for discussions. The responsibility for seat-sharing primarily rests with the Congress if they aim to alter the course of the electoral battle.”

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Asserts Mamata’s Tilt Towards Autocracy, Hesitant on Congress Collaboration

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the Pradesh Congress Committee President and Member of Parliament from West Bengal, has once again targeted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, claiming that she exhibits autocratic tendencies. According to PTI, on Tuesday (January 23), Chowdhury stated, “Mamata is authoritarian. We do not contest elections based on her mercy.”

Chowdhury emphasized that the Congress is well aware of how to fight on its own strength. He highlighted the successful collaboration in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections where Congress and TMC jointly defeated BJP, winning two meetings. Notably, Mamata came to power in West Bengal in 2011 with the support of the Congress.

Chowdhury’s remarks follow a plea made by Rahul Gandhi in Assam on Tuesday, where he mentioned that Mamata Banerjee is quite close to Congress. The ongoing discussions about seat-sharing continue, with sporadic comments from leaders on both sides. Chowdhury stated, “Our leaders say one thing, their leaders say something else, and this has been going on. Such comments do not make any difference.”

Rahul Gandhi to Join Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in West Bengal on January 25

In the backdrop of the crucial seat-sharing dispute between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Congress for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to arrive in the state as part of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Rahul Gandhi, currently on a journey in Assam, is expected to reach Bihar before heading to Bengal on January 25, offering a potential platform for discussions on the contentious issue.

Earlier this week, TMC had declined participation in the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, with an Instagram post featuring TMC workers supporting a rally of the erstwhile West Bengal Pradesh Congress. However, this post was later deleted. TMC leaders clarified that the party did not participate in the journey to uphold its focus on the significant matter of seat allocation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Party insiders emphasized the need for attention to be directed toward resolving the substantial issue before delving into other aspects of political engagement.

Congress Demands 12 Lok Sabha Seats in West Bengal Amidst Seat-Sharing Tussle

According to media reports, the Congress party in West Bengal is asserting its claim for 10 to 12 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This demand comes at a time when the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has only agreed to offer two seats in the state. Notably, the Congress had emerged victorious in two constituencies in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The state of West Bengal is witnessing a complex situation as the TMC, Congress, and the Left parties in Bengal are all part of the I.N.D.I.A alliance. The ongoing negotiations for seat-sharing have become a contentious issue. Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, has stated that if the TMC is not given due importance in the alliance, they are prepared to contest all 42 Lok Sabha seats independently and face a direct competition with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Rahul Gandhi’s Statement – Visiting Temples Alone is Not Enough

During the India Unite for Justice march on January 22, amidst controversy, Rahul Gandhi faced restrictions from entering the birthplace of Vaishnav saint Shrimanta Shankardev in Assam. Mamata Banerjee stated that Rahul Gandhi merely visiting temples is not sufficient. Are there any leaders who directly confront the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)? If anyone thinks that just visiting a temple is enough, it is not so.

Rahul Gandhi emphasized his individuality, mentioning that he has visited temples, churches, gurudwaras, and mosques alone. He has been fighting for a long time. When the Babri Masjid was demolished, and violence erupted, he was on the streets.

Mamata’s Critique and Rahul’s Defense

Mamata Banerjee, while addressing the controversy, stated that merely visiting temples is not enough. She raised the question of whether there are any leaders who directly confront the BJP. In response, Rahul Gandhi defended his position, asserting that he has visited various places of worship alone and has been engaged in the fight for justice.

Maintaining Individuality in Diverse Places of Worship

Rahul Gandhi stressed that he has maintained his individuality by visiting temples, churches, gurudwaras, and mosques. He pointed out that he has been actively involved in various struggles, including during the Babri Masjid demolition and subsequent violence.

In this context, both leaders present different perspectives on the significance of visiting places of worship and engaging in political struggles.