In the process of formulating seat-sharing arrangements and addressing other pertinent issues, Congress’ Bengal President, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, emphasized that decisions will be reached gradually. In an interview with The Statesman, he stated that discussions would occur at both the state and national levels, with a consensus being reached after a thorough assessment of ground realities.
One of the most contentious aspects of the I.N.D.I.A (Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance) has been the unfolding dynamics of the Opposition alliance in the state of West Bengal. The Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxists), traditional political rivals of the ruling Trinamool, previously contested elections together against the grassroots party. Now, they find themselves in a situation where they must consider conceding seats in the upcoming Parliamentary elections next year. The key question that looms is the number of seats the Communists and Congress are willing to yield to the Trinamool when the time comes.
Interestingly, on September 13, the Coordination Committee, consisting of core decision-makers within the I.N.D.I.A alliance, is scheduled to convene its first meeting in Delhi. However, this meeting faces challenges as Trinamool’s all-India general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, who is also the Member of Parliament for Diamond Harbour, has received a summons from the Enforcement Directorate for questioning in a case related to irregularities in educational recruitment. Additionally, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is currently abroad on a trip aimed at attracting investors.
The CPIM has expressed the need for better coordination within the party to ensure full representation at the coordination committee meeting. CPIM leader Sujan Chakraborty emphasized the urgency of working out the modalities, given the limited time left before the Parliamentary elections. He noted that inadequate representation of all Opposition alliance parties during the coordination committee meeting would hinder comprehensive discussions, ultimately benefiting their common political rival, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The CPIM in Bengal has repeatedly accused the Trinamool and the BJP of aiding each other in elections, a claim vehemently denied by both parties.
A BJP leader in the Bengal South 24 Paraganas District pointed out, “It is the CPIM and Congress openly aligning themselves with their chief political rival, the Trinamool, by participating in the same alliance that is determined to defeat us.”
Clearly, at the state level, differences between the CPIM, Congress, and Trinamool will require time and effort to resolve. The outcome of the coordination committee meeting scheduled for tomorrow will be closely watched.
