The News Freedom
Kolkata, January 24
In a blow to opposition unity, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Wednesday that Trinamool Congress (TMC) will go it alone in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. She dismissed any possibility of working with Congress in Bengal, stating, “Let them fight on their own. We will fight on our own.”
While ruling out pre-poll cooperation, Banerjee hinted at a potential post-election alliance, saying, “The final decision will be taken after Lok Sabha results.” This leaves the door open for future collaboration in the politically crucial state, which sends 42 representatives to the Lok Sabha.
Despite declaring independence in Bengal, Banerjee reaffirmed TMC’s commitment to the broader INDIA coalition, stating, “We are not in touch with the Congress for Bengal. But at the national level, we will decide our strategy after the elections. We will do whatever it takes to defeat the BJP.”
“Congress can fight on 300 seats, but should not interfere in the zones of the regional parties,” she asserted, warning of consequences if boundaries are crossed.
This defiant move underscores the existing fissures within the 28-party opposition alliance, raising questions about its cohesiveness against the ruling BJP. Banerjee’s decision is particularly significant given ongoing reports of friction with Congress over seat-sharing arrangements.
With TMC charting its own course in Bengal, the opposition faces a fresh challenge in its bid to unseat the BJP in the upcoming elections. Whether Banerjee’s solo act strengthens or weakens their position remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the battle lines for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls are being drawn, and Bengal is shaping up to be a key battleground.