'Can't Imagine I.N.D.I.A Bloc Without Mamata': Cong As TMC Decides To Fight 2024 Solo In Bengal

Jairam Ramesh said that the TMC is a pillar of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc, and without Mamata Banerjee, the alliance cannot be imagined.

Lok Sabha Elections: Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh said on Wednesday that the Trinamool Congress is a pillar of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc, and without West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the alliance cannot be imagined. On seat sharing in West Bengal, the Congress leader said that discussions regarding seat sharing are being done and a result will come soon that will keep everyone satisfied. 

Ramesh's remarks come after Banerjee said that her party will be contesting Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in the state 'alone'. On Wednesday, taking a dig at Congress, the TMC leader said she had no discussions with them regarding seat sharing in West Bengal. "I have always said that in Bengal, we will fight alone. I am not concerned about what will be done in the country, but we are a secular party, and in Bengal, we will alone defeat the BJP," Banerjee said.

On Banerjee's remark, Jairam Ramesh said, "TMC is a pillar of the INDIA alliance. We cannot imagine the INDIA alliance without Mamata ji. Tomorrow our Yatra is entering West Bengal. Discussions regarding seat sharing are being done and a result will come soon that will keep everyone satisfied."

On Tuesday, Banerjee criticised the Congress for causing delay in discussions for seat-sharing in West Bengal, citing "unjustified" demand for 10-12 Lok Sabha constituencies when her party was willing to share only two, as reported by news agency PTI.

Banerjee conveyed the stance during a closed-door organisational meeting of the party's unit of Birbhum. During the internal meeting, she urged party leaders to gear up for the electoral battle, emphasising the need for the TMC's triumph in both the Lok Sabha seats from the district.

A senior TMC leader shared insights of the meeting, and stated, "Our party supremo clearly said that we don't need to think about seat-sharing talks with the Congress. She said that the party had offered two seats to them. But the Congress at times is demanding 10-12 seats," as quoted by PTI. West Bengal has 42 Lok Sabha seats.