With the 2024 general elections rapidly approaching, Congress is eagerly working towards aligning opposition parties against the BJP. On Sunday, senior leader Jairam Ramesh expressed that doors remain open for the TMC under Mamata Banerjee's leadership for a potential coalition. However, TMC has already made it clear that it plans to contest all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal.
'No Final Decision Yet'
While speaking to a news agency in Gwalior, party general secretary Jairam Ramesh conveyed his hope and belief that Mamata Banerjee is part of the INDIA block, given her priority to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). 'We haven't closed any doors. She has announced that they will contest all 42 seats in West Bengal. That's her declaration. As far as we are concerned, our conversations are ongoing; doors are still open, and they haven't informed us of their final decision.', said Ramesh.
While addressing RJD’s 'Jan Vishwas Yatra' rally in Patna, Ramesh pointed out its significance as a display of a unified opposition against BJP and its allies. He also stated that today marks the 50th day of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra but there has been a slight schedule adjustment since Rahul Gandhi headed to Patna for the opposition rally. Yet, the journey from Shivpuri will resume on its 51st day as planned with a visit to the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on its fifth day.
Rahul Gandhi Welcomed by the Real Lokdal: Congress Leader
When questioned about the Lokdal severing ties with the INDIA block, the Congress leader recalled Rahul Gandhi's warm reception by the Real Lokdal in Aligarh. He spoke of the presence of former Prime Minister Charan Singh and Indira Gandhi's portraits and banners, asserting that the RJD represents a 'fake' Lokdal. Speaking on Rahul Gandhi contesting from Wayanad, he said, 'Discussion is underway, and Rahul Gandhi will determine his constituency. We are finalizing our manifesto, candidates, and seat allocations in various states. My concern is about what we are doing, not what BJP is doing.'
