Mamata Banerjee’s Response to Congress Leader’s “Vote For BJP” Video

The alleged video clip of a Congress leader suggesting it’s “better to vote for the BJP than TMC” has ignited a controversy, drawing criticism from Trinamool, an ally in the Opposition bloc INDIA. Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the statement, claiming it lacks ideology and sells out the country. The authenticity of the video clip has been questioned, with the Congress asserting it is doctored and seeking assistance from the Election Commission.

The Congress, emphasizing its aim to diminish BJP’s numbers in Bengal, clarified its position within the INDIA bloc where Trinamool is also a member. Despite not being in an alliance in the state, both parties share the goal of reducing the BJP’s influence. Trinamool has accused the Congress leader of disrupting seat-sharing discussions and functioning as the “voice of the BJP in Bengal” after allegedly serving as the “eyes and ears of the BJP”.

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee held the Bengal Congress chief responsible for hindering the formation of the opposition INDIA bloc in the state, asserting that the Congress leader’s actions strengthened the BJP’s position. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Trinamool won 22 seats, BJP won 17, and Congress secured two seats in the state.