Rift within INDIA Bloc: Trinamool declines to be a "rubber stamp" for Congress
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The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has signaled growing tensions within the INDIA alliance, asserting that it will not blindly support Congress’ decisions.
The Mamata Banerjee-led party emphasized the need for Parliament to function to address pressing issues affecting West Bengal, instead of solely focusing on the Congress-led push for discussions on alleged corruption.
According to TMC sources, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has endorsed the party's independent stance, emphasizing that the Congress is not an electoral ally of the TMC, despite their shared membership in the opposition bloc. The TMC has insisted that it will not accept "unilateral decisions" by Congress, especially when these overshadow issues critical to West Bengal, such as the deprivation of central funds, rising inflation, and the need for faster justice in cases of sexual assault.
“We want corruption to be addressed, but it shouldn’t eclipse the urgent concerns of our people. For this, Parliament needs to function,” a TMC leader stated.
The relationship between the TMC and Congress has been fraught with disagreements, despite both parties being part of the INDIA alliance. Speculation about the TMC's potential exit from the opposition grouping has surfaced multiple times, especially after the Congress faced significant defeats in Maharashtra and Haryana elections.
In October, TMC MP Saket Gokhale criticized Congress’ reluctance to accommodate regional parties in states where it holds strength, calling it "arrogance and entitlement" that could lead to further electoral losses.
Following the Congress’ poor performance in Maharashtra, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee questioned the leadership structure of the INDIA alliance. He suggested Mamata Banerjee should lead the coalition, citing her successful track record in Bengal.
“We trusted Congress to deliver results, but they have failed repeatedly, whether in Maharashtra or Haryana. Meanwhile, the TMC has demonstrated its strength, winning all six seats in the recent Bengal bypolls with massive margins,” Kalyan Banerjee said.
He added that Mamata Banerjee’s leadership resonates with people across India due to her “fighting spirit.”
