Congress Declares Itself Open To Alliance Even After TMC Announces Candidates For All Lok Sabha Seats In West Bengal

Following the Trinamool Congress's (TMC) announcement of candidates for all Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, the Congress stated on Sunday (10 March) that it remains open to allying till the withdrawal of nominations.

The party emphasised that any agreement must be reached through negotiations, not unilateral declarations, as per a report by The New Indian Express.

TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the names of 42 candidates at a rally in Kolkata.

"Our doors are always open, and an alliance can be formed anytime before the withdrawal," said Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in response.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh reiterated the party's desire for a fair seat-sharing agreement with the TMC in West Bengal, emphasising that such an agreement must be the result of negotiations.

"The Congress has always advocated for the INDI Alliance to unite against the BJP," he added.

Recent tensions between Congress and TMC leaders over seat-sharing have been evident, with the TMC stating that it can only offer two seats to the Congress, which currently holds two MPs in West Bengal.

The TMC, as part of the INDI Alliance, has emphasised the unity of opposition parties in the fight against the BJP in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.