Mamata Banerjee Advocates Opposition Unity for 2024 Lok Sabha Elections

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, emphasizing the need for opposition collaboration, conveyed a subtle message to the Congress following its defeat in the recent assembly elections. Mamata asserted that a united opposition could thwart the BJP's prospects in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

"A strategy has to be finalised. If there is proper consensus on seat sharing ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party will not be able to retain power at the Centre," Mamata stated. Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata, attributed the BJP's success in states like Rajasthan to the division of opposition votes, stressing that slim victory margins downplayed the BJP's triumph.

The Congress, facing criticism for neglecting its INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) allies during the assembly elections, witnessed a loss in all three states it had previously won in 2018. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh distanced the INDIA bloc from Congress's failure, emphasizing the need for unity against the BJP.

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee cautioned the Congress, urging them to act promptly if they genuinely desire opposition unity. "If Congress wants everyone to unite and fight the BJP, I would like to tell them that there isn't much time. The effort to bring everyone together has begun. If you want everyone to fight together, it should reflect in your actions not your words," he said.

The Congress faced internal conflicts, notably with the Samajwadi Party over seat sharing in Madhya Pradesh. INDIA bloc's planned joint rally in Bhopal was canceled, reflecting disunity. As INDIA bloc leaders convene in Delhi on December 6 to strategize for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress is poised to face scrutiny and calls for cohesive action.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT University