Day after Mamata Banerjee pledges ‘outside support’, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says he doesn’t trust her

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the Congress’ Bengal president, expressed skepticism about Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s commitment to the INDIA opposition bloc, following Banerjee’s recent remarks on providing “outside support” to the alliance if they win the election. Chowdhury said that he does not trust Mamata Banerjee, suggesting she could align herself with the BJP.

“I don’t trust her… she left the alliance. She can also go towards the BJP,” Chowdhury told reporters, highlighting the strained relationship between him and Banerjee. Mamata Banerjee had previously indicated that Bengal Congress was not included in the INDIA alliance.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury questioned the sudden change in stance by Mamata Banerjee, suggesting it might be due to a realisation that the BJP is likely to face defeat in the elections. Mamata Banerjee had earlier refused to finalise seat-sharing deals with Congress, citing her party’s better chance of defeating the BJP in West Bengal.

Also Read: ‘Will provide outside support’: Mamata Banerjee softens stance on INDIA bloc

The ongoing tension between Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Congress-CPM alliance in West Bengal reflects broader rifts within the opposition bloc. Despite being part of the same alliance, the Congress and CPM are contesting against the TMC in Bengal, although they are allies in Kerala.

Mamata Banerjee has repeatedly criticised Chowdhury’s Congress unit and the CPM for allegedly aligning with the BJP in Bengal. Earlier this year, tensions escalated when Banerjee walked away from the INDIA bloc, citing dissatisfaction with seat-sharing arrangements.

The electoral landscape in Bengal remains highly contentious, with the BJP seeking to expand its presence following its success in previous elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Mamata Banerjee have been actively campaigning in the state, addressing contentious issues such as the citizenship law.

West Bengal, with 42 Lok Sabha seats, remains a crucial battleground, with results expected on June 4 after the completion of the remaining phases of voting.