Lok Sabha Elections: With barely months away from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee batted for the idea of regional leaders spearheading the fight against the BJP in specific regions, amid an internal discord over seat-sharing within the INDIA bloc. She also suggested that Congress independently contest 300 Lok Sabha seats. The West Bengal chief minister also accused the CPI(M) of striving to control the opposition groupings agenda, underscoring that no one confronts the BJP as directly as she does.Mamata Banerjee on INDIA blocs seat sharingSpeaking at the all-faith harmony rally in Kolkata, which coincided with Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha, she said, “I insist that particular regions should be left to regional parties. They (Congress) can fight on 300 (Lok Sabha) seats alone, and I will help them. I will not contest those seats. But, they are adamant about doing what they want.”Tensions are rising within the INDIA bloc as regional leaders like West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee flex their muscles ahead of the 2024 general elections.Can fight BJP alone: West Bengal CMShe also asserted she has the power to independently fight the ruling BJP in West Bengal. She accused some alliance partners of not wanting to collaborate against the BJP and being ready to give away seats to them.While not naming names, the feisty TMC leader appeared to target the Congress for stalling seat-sharing talks in the state. She also expressed unwillingness to let the Left Front, led by the CPI(M), control the agenda of the broader anti-BJP bloc.I cannot agree with those with whom I had fought for 34 years, remarked Banerjee about her erstwhile arch-rivals.An attack on CongressIn a veiled criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, she said visiting temples alone is not enough to win votes. Banerjee highlighted her efforts to connect with diverse religious groups.Her combative words drew sharp reactions from the Congress and CPI(M). The state Congress president retorted they wont beg the TMC for seats. A CPI(M) leader called Banerjees claims about the Left controlling the alliance agenda baseless.The public feuding exposes cracks within the 28-party bloc as strong regional satraps seek a greater national profile. Banerjees TMC wants the Congress to acknowledge its limited appeal now in West Bengal. But the grand old party remains reluctant to cede ground.TMC in 2019 pollsIn 2019 polls, the TMC won 22 seats in the state versus just 2 for Congress. The BJP made major inroads securing 18 seats. The TMC insists it should take the lead against the BJP in Bengal based on its electoral dominance.However, Congress believes the TMC is underestimating its support and is unwilling to be sidelined. The clashes risk dividing the anti-BJP vote and helping Prime Minister Narendra Modis coalition retain power in 2024.Voter fragmentation was evident in recent state polls. The TMC, Congress, and Left Front allied against one another rather than presenting a united front against the BJP.
