Amidst the political landscape in New Delhi, the BJP dismisses the Congress’s claim of projecting unity within the INDIA alliance. This comes in light of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) announcing its candidates for all 42 seats in West Bengal for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, signaling a notable rift in the camaraderie between the two parties.
Tarun Chugh, the national general secretary of the BJP, strongly criticized the Congress as the TMC revealed its 42 candidates for the imminent Lok Sabha elections. He pointed out the continual disarray within the Gandhi family, stating, “Their own coalition partners don’t recognize them as their leaders. This is the catalyst for the INDIA bloc’s inevitable disintegration.”
In contrast, he commended the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for maintaining solidarity and unwavering support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting, “The NDA stands firmly behind PM Modi.” He further emphasized the growing stature of NDA leaders who perceive themselves as an extended family to PM Modi.
Meanwhile, Abhishek Banerjee, the nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, unveiled the TMC candidates at a display of strength in the heart of Kolkata. Notably, Abhishek Banerjee will be contesting from Diamond Harbour, while former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan has been nominated for Behrampore, setting the stage for a formidable competition against Congress heavyweight Adhir Chowdhury. Mahua Moitra, the candidate from Krishnanagar, faced expulsion as a Lok Sabha MP on December 8 following a report by the Parliamentary Ethics Panel in connection with the alleged ‘cash-for-query’ case.
The declaration of candidates unequivocally quashed any lingering hopes of a seat-sharing agreement between the TMC and Congress in the state. Nevertheless, despite not forging an alliance with the Congress, the TMC remains a steadfast ally of the grand old party within the INDIA bloc.
The Trinamool Congress kickstarted its campaign for the upcoming elections with a robust display of strength. In the previous Lok Sabha polls, the TMC secured victory in 22 seats, while the BJP sprung a significant surprise by claiming 18 seats. The Congress secured the remaining two seats.