Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Says Won't Go To Modi 3.0 Oath Ceremony: 'Can't Wish Well To Illegal Govt'

Bengal CM Banerjee stated that while the I.N.D.I.A bloc may not have staked claim to form the government today, but it does not mean they will not do so in the future. 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Saturday that she would not attend the swearing-in ceremony of PM-designate Narendra Modi which is scheduled to happen on June 9 at 7:15 PM. When asked about the invitation, Banerjee said, "I have not received (the invitation), nor will I go". 

Reacting to the NDA government formation, Banerjee said, "I am sorry, but I cannot wish well to an unconstitutional, illegal party for forming the government."

"My best wishes will be for the country. I will tell all the MPs to strengthen their party...We will not break your party but there will be divisions in your party from within, people in your party are not happy," she added. 

Banerjee also commented on the BJP's performance in the Lok Sabha elections, stating, "His (PM Modi's) intention was to get the two-third majority (in Lok Sabha elections 2024). However, they (BJP) didn't even cross the majority mark. They are nowhere near that number (272 seats). How will they amend the Constitution without two-third majority? Last time, they had passed bills without discussions but won't be able to do it this time". 

Earlier in the day, the Trinamool Congress announced that the West Bengal CM, also the party supremo, Mamata Banerjee was elected as the All India Trinamool Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson. Party MP Sudip Bandhopadhyay was elected as the leader of the party in Lok Sabha, with Dr Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar as Deputy Leader of Lok Sabha and Kalyan Banerjee as Chief Whip.

TMC MP Derek O'Brien was elected the leader of the party in Rajya Sabha, with Sagarika Ghose as Deputy Leader and Nadimul Haque as Chief Whip.

Mamata Says 'I.N.D.I.A Not Staking Claim Today Does Not Mean It Won't Tomorrow'

Bengal CM Banerjee further stated that while the I.N.D.I.A bloc may not have staked claim to form the government today, but it does not mean they will not do so in the future. 

Following a meeting with newly elected TMC MPs, Banerjee said, "The country needs change; the country wants change. This mandate was for change. We are waiting and keeping a watch on the situation. This mandate was against Narendra Modi, so he should not become the prime minister this time. Someone else should have been allowed to take over". 

"The BJP is forming the government undemocratically and illegally. Today INDIA bloc may not have staked a claim to form the government, but that doesn't mean tomorrow it won't stake a claim. Let’s wait for some time," she stated further, adding, "I would be happy to see that this unstable and weak government at the centre is out of power".