Rahul Gandhi Speaks About Relationship with TMC Chief

In an official statement, the Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, announced that he and his party maintain a cordial personal relationship with the chief of Trinamool Congress (TMC), Mamata Banerjee. He affirmed that sharp criticisms from either side would not obstruct the ongoing seat-sharing negotiations for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. This news comes from the source of Reader Wall.

Seat-sharing Discussions for Lok Sabha Elections

Rahul Gandhi elaborated on these discussions while addressing reporters during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Assam. Gandhi highlighted that conversations were in progress with TMC, an integral partner within the opposition bloc of INDIA. The main point of discussion is the division of seats in the pivotal state, West Bengal, for the upcoming general elections.

Gandhi stated, “We are currently in the midst of seat discussions. The final decision will soon be apparent. I refrain from commenting about it here. I, along with our party, enjoy a very cordial relationship with Mamata Ji.”

Gandhi’s remarks gain significance amid rumours of divergence among opposition bloc INDIA members in West Bengal. This was triggered by recent heated exchanges between leaders from Congress and TMC.

Proposal for Lok Sabha Seat Distribution

Banerjee proposed, at a multi-faith rally held in Kolkata, that the Congress should contest in 300 out of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, leaving the remainder for regional parties in various states. She highlighted that the INDIA bloc overlooked this proposal at their meetings. Furthermore, she expressed her concerns regarding the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), another member of the 28-party group, accusing it of directing the INDIA meetings.

Associated with this, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the chief of West Bengal Congress, has voiced his discomfort over forming an alliance with the TMC. He maintained that the INDIA bloc wouldn’t work in the state of West Bengal as both the Congress and the CPI(M) are oppositional to the TMC and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Gandhi’s Response to Chowdhury’s Comments

When questioned about Chowdhury’s comments, Gandhi responded, “Sometimes our folks comment, sometimes theirs do. All of this is part of the norm. However, this in no way inhibits our progress.”

TMC’s Take on the Situation

TMC Rajya Sabha member Santanu Sen appreciated Mr. Gandhi’s remarks, but requested Gandhi to prevent Chowdhury from making antagonistic comments. He shared his concern stating, “Chowdhury publicly targets Mamata Banerjee daily, leading to insults. If Congress is genuine about the alliance, then Gandhi should control Chowdhury,”