CONGRESS' POOR ELECTORAL SHOW ENTHUSES I.N.D.I.A. PARTNERS

The Congress’ poor show in the recently-held Assembly elections has come as a silent blessing for its I.N.D.I.A. bloc allies like the Trinamool Congress and fireworks are expected at the meeting of the bloc parties to be held at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday, 19 December.

- SUPROTIM MUKHERJEE

Since the meeting is to take up the issue of seat-sharing, the Congress’ poor showing could place it on the defensive at the meeting. Some alliance partners have already criticised Congress’ performance, with some questioning its leadership and effectiveness. This could fuel internal tensions and make it harder to present a united front against the BJP, say political observers.

Sources close to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee say she plans to play hardball when seatsharing talks take place, citing the Congress’ poor show and “unwinnable” track record. In contrast, she will put forward the track record of the Trinamool Congress in successfully fighting off the BJP in West Bengal in election after election.

TMC wants to corner as many seats as possible and also queer the pitch for Mamata critic Adhir Chowdhury who holds one of the two Lok Sabha seats that are with the Congress party and has been consistent in his opposition to the Trinamool Congress and Mamata Banerjee, sources say.