TMC, amid words war, expresses openness to Congress while being prepared for a solo journey in West Bengal if required

Trinamool Congress in West Bengal expressed willingness for a Congress alliance but hinted at going solo if talks fail. Amid seat-sharing tensions, TMC proposed two seats for Congress in a 42-seat deal. Both parties remain at odds over terms, showcasing a potential shift in Bengal's political dynamics.

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In the escalating standoff between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Congress regarding seat-sharing in West Bengal, TMC firmly asserts an "open-hearted" approach towards collaborating with the grand old party for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. However, TMC keeps the option open for an independent run if negotiations fail to yield an amicable resolution.

Sudip Bandopadhyay, TMC's leader in Lok Sabha, emphasizes that the stance of local Congress leaders holds little significance as the final decision rests with the top echelons of both parties. He reiterates Mamata Banerjee's stance, stating that TMC's door remains open for Congress while emphasizing that the ball is in Congress's court for further decisions.

The recent discord arose when TMC proposed allocating two seats out of West Bengal's 42 Lok Sabha seats to Congress as part of the I.N.D.I.A bloc understanding. Congress, however, responded with a sharp rebuttal, rejecting any notions of needing TMC's "pity" and asserting its capability to secure seats independently.

State Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury reiterated the party's stance, affirming that they won't plead for seats from TMC. Meanwhile, another senior TMC official, preferring anonymity due to lack of authorization on the issue, disclosed the party's openness to a Bengal alliance while preparing for an independent contest if necessary.

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With talks revolving around allocating four seats to Congress, TMC appears to tread cautiously in a bid to maintain a strategic advantage in the state's political landscape. In the 2019 elections, TMC secured 22 seats, Congress managed two, and BJP clinched 18 seats, further intensifying the battle for dominance.

Mamata Banerjee previously expressed optimism about a TMC-Congress-Left alliance, met with skepticism from CPI(M) and some Congress leaders. Amidst accusations of BJP alliances, TMC remains steadfast in positioning itself as the principal opposition force against the saffron party in West Bengal.

Historically, TMC and Congress forged alliances during significant electoral battles in 2001, 2009, and 2011, disrupting the CPI(M)-led Left Front's decades-long rule in West Bengal.