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 sparked controversy within the opposition bloc in India, particularly drawing criticism from Trinamool, a key ally. Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the statement, accusing the Congress leader in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, of lacking ideology and selling out the country. The eight-second video clip, purportedly from an election rally in Bengal’s Murshidabad, has been labeled as “doctored” by the Congress, which has sought the Election Commission’s assistance to verify its authenticity. Jairam Ramesh, Congress’ spokesperson, emphasized the party’s goal of reducing BJP’s numbers in Bengal, despite the Trinamool’s inclusion in the opposition bloc.

While not in alliance in the state, the two parties are part of the larger INDIA bloc. The Trinamool holds Mr. Chowdhury accountable for the breakdown of seat-sharing discussions with the Congress in the state and accused him of being the “voice of the BJP in Bengal” after allegedly acting as the “eyes and ears of BJP in Bengal.” Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee further accused Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury of obstructing the formation of the opposition INDIA bloc in the state, strengthening the hands of the BJP. The Trinamool secured 22 out of 42 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, with the BJP winning 17 and the Congress getting two seats.