Mamata Banerjee, the leader of Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo, and West Bengal Chief Minister, firmly rejected the Left’s endeavour to dominate the I.N.D.I.A bloc’s agenda amidst internal discord over seat-sharing in the state, according to news agency PTI. Speaking at an all-faith rally in the city, Banerjee expressed her disapproval of the Left Front, led by CPI(M), attempting to steer the I.N.D.I.A bloc meeting’s agenda.
“I suggested the name I.N.D.I.A during the opposition bloc meeting. But whenever I attend the meeting, I find the Left trying to control it. This is not acceptable. I cannot agree with those with whom I had fought for 34 years,” she stated.
Banerjee highlighted the challenges within the opposition bloc, asserting, “Despite such insults, I have adjusted and attended the I.N.D.I.A bloc meetings.” In reference to Rahul Gandhi’s visitation issues in Assam, she commented, “Just going to the temple isn’t enough,” emphasizing her comprehensive approach to religious diversity.
Her comments were part of a broader critique of political stances against the BJP, where she positioned herself as the only one confronting the party directly. Banerjee embarked on a symbolic journey of religious harmony, leading an all-faith rally encompassing visits to a temple, mosque, church, and gurdwara, coinciding with the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
The I.N.D.I.A opposition bloc comprises the CPI(M)-led Left Front, Congress, and TMC. However, in West Bengal, CPI(M) and Congress have aligned against TMC and BJP.
Banerjee indirectly criticised Congress for delaying seat-sharing discussions in the state, asserting, “I have the power and mass base to take on the BJP and fight against them. But some people don’t want to listen to us about seat sharing. If you don’t want to fight the BJP, then at least don’t give away seats to them.”
The rift within the I.N.D.I.A opposition bloc, particularly between Congress and TMC, has deepened over seat-sharing disagreements for the upcoming West Bengal Lok Sabha polls. TMC’s offer of two seats based on Congress’s 2019 Lok Sabha election victories was deemed insufficient by Congress, leading to heightened tensions.
Mamata Banerjee’s recent assertion that TMC is prepared to independently contest all 42 Lok Sabha seats in Bengal if not given due importance further highlighted the fissures within the opposition alliance.