Amid an internal discord over seat-sharing within the INDIA bloc, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee batted for the idea of regional leaders spearheading the fight against the BJP in specific regions, suggesting that Congress independently contest 300 Lok Sabha seats.
Banerjee, the CM, also accused the CPI(M) of striving to control the opposition groupingâs agenda, underscoring that no one confronts the BJP as directly as she does.
âI insist that particular regions should be left to regional parties. They (Congress) can fight on 300 (Lok Sabha) seats alone, and I will help them. I will not contest those seats. But, they are adamant about doing what they want,” she said at an âall-faith harmony rallyâ in Kolkata, which coincided with the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Banerjeeâs comments followed her assertion during a recent internal party meeting that the TMC is prepared to independently contest all 42 Lok Sabha seats in Bengal if not given âdue importanceâ.
“I have the power to take on the BJP and fight against it. But, some people don’t want to listen to us about seat-sharing. If you don’t want to fight the BJP, then at least don’t give away seats to it,” she said.
Without making a mention of the Congress, Banerjee also criticised the party for delaying seat-sharing discussions in the state.
The TMC boss expressed her unwillingness to accept the Left Front led by the CPI(M) controlling the agenda of the INDIA bloc meetings.
“I suggested the name INDIA during a meeting of the opposition bloc. But whenever I attend the coalitionâs meetings, I find the Left trying to gain control. This is not acceptable. I cannot agree with those with whom I had fought for 34 years,” she said.