INDIA bloc meeting: ‘They aren’t enough to fight alone with BJP’ – Sukanta Majumdar

Ahead of the fourth INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi today, West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Sukanta Majumdar has done a fierce attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying that she should understand that they weren’t enough to fight alone against the saffron party.

Bengal BJP leaders slam CM Mamata ahead of INDIA bloc meeting

Speaking to the news agency ANI, Sukanta Majumdar said, “The CM (Mamata Banerjee) has understood that they aren't enough to fight alone with the BJP... That's why they're all trying to come together…”

#WATCH | West Bengal: State BJP President Sukanta Majumdar says, "The CM (Mamata Banerjee) has understood that they aren't enough to alone fight with the BJP... That's why they all are trying to come together..." (18.12) pic.twitter.com/tq9gmNHcoV

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2023

Here’s what Mamata Banerjee said on today’s INDIA bloc meeting:

Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee said that the INDIA bloc's meeting scheduled for today will be an opportunity to discuss the seat-sharing formula among the Opposition parties, just months ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

What are key ageda's of this meeting?

Notably, the 4th meeting of the Opposition grand alliance is slated to take place today in the national capital, during which seat-sharing discussions are likely to be on the agenda of various parties.

"I think all will be together. There is an opportunity to discuss this seat-sharing matter...Tomorrow is a great opportunity to discuss it in detail. The majority of political parties will agree to one-to-one seat sharing; maybe one or two may not agree...I don't have any motto or vendetta to not walk with anybody," West Bengal CM said on Monday.

On the delay of the seat-sharing with the alliance, Mamata said, “It is not late. Better late than never…"

Does TMC wants alliance with Congress?

When asked if she wants an alliance with Congress in West Bengal, CM Banerjee said that she has no problem if the grand old party has genuine things.

"Somebody must bell the cat...I don't have any problem if they have genuine things. But in West Bengal, they have only two seats. I am open to talks and discussion," she added.

#WATCH | When asked if she wants an alliance with Congress in West Bengal, CM Mamata Banerjee says, "...Somebody must bell the cat...I don't have any problem if they have genuine things. But in West Bengal, they have only two seats. I am open to talk and discuss..." pic.twitter.com/dsUfKOmSym

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2023

When and where will be 4th INDIA bloc meeting be held?

The meeting of the Opposition leaders of the INDIA bloc will be held on December 19 in the national capital.

Taking it to X, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, "The 4th meeting of the leaders of INDIA parties will be held on Tuesday, December 19th, 2023, in New Delhi at 3 p.m."

Seat-sharing will likely dominate today’s meeting of opposition bloc INDIA as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections loom. Also, this meeting is vital for Congress after losing recent state Assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Why INDIA bloc formed?

INDIA unites Congress with other national and regional parties against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling NDA coalition. Preventing a "third straight term" for the prime minister is the goal when voters elect the next Lok Sabha in 2024.

This is the fourth gathering after grand meetings held in Patna, Bengaluru and Mumbai earlier in 2023. Delegates last met on September 1 to plot strategies for the election just months away on April 11.

With polls fast approaching, divvying up constituencies between alliance partners takes on greater urgency. Congress is anxious to reverse its fortunes after the loss of key heartland states.

Striking a deal over seats while accommodating competing interests will test the unity of the INDIA bloc. But a broad coalition may represent the best chance of toppling Modi from power.