Rahul Gandhi responded to Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's recent statements indicating that Congress would participate in the Lok Sabha elections without the assistance of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Gandhi emphasized the close relationship he shares with Mamata Banerjee and downplayed Chowdhury's strong remarks regarding the Trinamool Congress supremo's role in seat-sharing discussions, stating that such comments would not carry much weight.
Speaking to the media during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Rahul Gandhi disclosed that ongoing talks with the Trinamool Congress regarding seat-sharing in Bengal for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls were in progress. He expressed his affinity for Mamata Banerjee, highlighting their closeness. Responding to queries about Chowdhury's comments on Congress contesting elections without Mamata's support, Gandhi reiterated that the bond between him and Mamata Banerjee was significant, and individual comments from party leaders would not impact their relationship.
Rahul Gandhi extended invitations to both Mamata Banerjee and Nitish Kumar to join his yatra when it passes through West Bengal and Bihar, respectively.
In the preceding week, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the state Congress chief, labeled Mamata Banerjee as an "opportunist" amid reports suggesting that the Trinamool Congress might field candidates in all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal. Chowdhury asserted that Congress would not seek Mamata's assistance in the elections, emphasizing the party's ability to independently contest and reminding Mamata Banerjee of her rise to power with Congress's support.
While reports indicated that Trinamool had offered two seats to Congress in West Bengal, the Congress party sought a larger share of seats as part of a broader agreement with the Trinamool. During a meeting on January 20, Trinamool's top leadership decided to contest all seats in West Bengal, including Berhampur, where Chowdhury is the incumbent MP.
