Just days before sending Yusuf Pathan and Lalitesh Tiwari to lead the charge in Bihar's Voter Rights Journey with Rahul Gandhi, the Trinamool Congress signaled that Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee would not participate. According to political circles, while Trinamool Congress maintains issue-based coordination with Congress in parliament, their stance within the India alliance remains independent.
TMC has already clarified this, and hence it is believed that instead of joining Rahul’s Voter Rights Journey, Mamata or Abhishek opted to send representatives, maintaining coordination. As Yusuf and Lalitesh departed, they declared that the India alliance would continue the struggle against the 'anti-people' policies of the ruling central government.
TMC to Contest West Bengal Elections Solo
Next year's assembly elections in West Bengal are crucial as political parties start their preparations, with TMC battling anti-incumbency. Earlier this year, Mamata Banerjee made it clear in a meeting of party legislators that they do not need Congress in West Bengal. The Trinamool Congress sees CPM, BJP, and Congress as rival parties in West Bengal.
Joining Forces with Rahul Could Be Detrimental
The relationship between Trinamool Congress and Congress had deteriorated severely over the years but has slightly improved; however, they remain fragile. If Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee were to join Rahul Gandhi in a rally in Bihar, it could affect Bengal's elections. Hence, Mamata distanced herself from the rally but sent representatives considering alliance compulsions.
Coalition Needed on SIR Issues
Amidst the ongoing tension over SIR, Trinamool Congress’s stance is aggressive, announcing a significant movement. With the commencement of the SIR process in Bengal, tensions will peak. Hence, TMC will inevitably seek the support of the India alliance, but direct support from Rahul Gandhi may disrupt TMC's vote bank in Bengal’s politics.
TMC Chooses a Middle Path
In Bihar, standing shoulder to shoulder with Rahul could risk TMC’s vote bank. Meanwhile, the situation in Bengal is awkward and confusing for both TMC and Congress. The BJP has persistently accused TMC of conflict over central issues and partnership in Bengal. To avoid these predicaments, TMC has opted for a middle path.
On this middle path, TMC remains with the India alliance, yet this coordination appears independent of the India alliance. These are the reasons why neither Mamata nor any significant TMC leader participated in Rahul Gandhi's Voter Rights Journey.
