Mamata Banerjee raises concern over Left's control in INDIA bloc

Mamata Banerjee

Accusing the Left parties of seeking to exert control over the alliance's agenda, Mamata Banerjee, the West Bengal chief minister, and a pivotal member of the INDIA bloc, raises concerns about their influence within the coalition.

Mamata’s comment came at a time when there is an apparent discord within two INDIA bloc constituents- Congress and the Trinamool Congress over seat-sharing in West Bengal. The Trinamool Congress is willing to concede only two seats to Congress for the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

The TMC chief had embarked on a symbolic journey of religious harmony, leading an all-faith rally aligning with the consecration ceremony at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Addressing an all-faith rally in Kolkata on January 22, the TMC leader expressed her unwillingness to accept the Left Front led by CPI(M) controlling the agenda of the INDIA bloc meeting.

"I suggested the name INDIA during the opposition bloc meeting. But whenever I attend the meeting, I find the Left trying to control it. This is not acceptable. I cannot agree with those with whom I fought for 34 years," said the TMC chief.

The Trinamool Congress is a key member of the opposition INDIA alliance led by the Congress, along with the CPI (M)-led Left Front. However, in West Bengal, the CPI(M) and Congress have aligned against the TMC and BJP.