'TMC Will Contest Alone If Congress...': Abhishek Banerjee Raises Stakes For Bengal Elections Next Year

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has slammed its ally, the Congress, for not recognising the TMC's strength in Bengal. TMC has said that for the greater good, Opposition parties must stay in INDIA.

TMC's Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee.

Source : PTI Images

The Trinamool Congress has hit out at its INDIA bloc ally 'Congress' saying that the party doesn't know how to play to its strengths. TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee said that it is still a part of the "united" Opposition but would fight the assembly elections next year if the Congress did not let it contest the polls on its own terms as it is stronger of the two in Bengal. 

"We have said this categorically in the past as well that we continue to be a part of the INDIA bloc. But if the Congress is not ready to consider a better seat-sharing plan or it does not see a way ahead together, we would contest the elections on our own terms," Banerjee said.

VIDEO | On Delhi Assembly elections, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee (@abhishekaitc) says: "...We have said this categorically in the past as well that we continue to be a part of INDIA alliance, but if the Congress is not ready to consider a better seat-sharing, then we would go ahead… pic.twitter.com/HMvYuB9Ib8

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He pointed out that the TMC fought the Lok Sabha elections alone last year and did not lose in Bengal. "The BJP is a master in distracting people. They spread the narrative that AAP was not able to do anything in Delhi in the last five years. The AAP government could not counter it and prove that the Centre did not let them do anything..." 

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee had earlier expressed her willingness to lead the INDIA bloc from Bengal. She said: "I had formed the INDIA bloc, but they [Opposition parties] are not being able to hold it together. What can I do? I am not leading the front. The leaders of the front should see to it that everyone remains together... They don't even see me. But I maintain the best of relations with all national and regional parties." Dismissing remarks of her having "national ambitions", Mamata said: "I love Bengal and don't want to leave this land. I shall die here. Nothing can lure me away from here. I can run the alliance from Bengal."