In a double blow to the unity of the INDIA opposition bloc, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Trinamool Congress have independently announced their decision to contest elections without forming alliances. The AAP declared its intention to contest all Lok Sabha seats in Punjab, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann revealing that 40 candidates have been shortlisted for the 13 seats, pending a survey. This move followed Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee’s firm statement ruling out any alliance with the Congress in West Bengal.
Mamata Banerjee’s announcement shook the political landscape in West Bengal, stating, “In Bengal, we will fight alone. I am not concerned about what will be done in the rest of the country, but we, a secular party, will defeat BJP in Bengal.” The Congress is yet to respond to these developments.
Responding to Banerjee’s assertion, senior Congress leader KC Venugopal affirmed the intention to form a Congress-Trinamool alliance in West Bengal. He downplayed the differences, stating, “These are small differences; we will sort them out. Our aim is to decrease BJP seats.”
The decisions by Trinamool and AAP to go solo in their strongholds highlight the ongoing power struggle between the Congress and regional forces within the INDIA bloc.
Despite claims of unity at INDIA meetings, the Congress, aiming to play the leading role, has faced resistance from regional parties like Trinamool, AAP, and Samajwadi Party, which demand a more prominent role in their respective regions during seat-sharing talks.
In both Bengal and Punjab, conflicts between the Congress and ruling parties have persisted, with state Congress units opposing alliances and criticizing state governments. The regional parties, in the wake of Congress setbacks in recent Assembly polls, are unwilling to compromise in their strongholds.
AAP’s relations with the Congress within the INDIA bloc have been tenuous, with previous disputes over issues such as the Centre’s control over Delhi officers. The impasse over seat-sharing may stem from AAP’s desire for a pan-India alliance, a proposition the Congress seems reluctant to accept.
The current discord within the INDIA opposition bloc raises questions about the prospects of a united front against the BJP in the upcoming elections. The tussle for supremacy and conflicting interests among opposition parties may impact their ability to present a consolidated front, potentially benefiting the ruling party.
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