West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, announced that she won’t attend the upcoming INDIA bloc meeting on June 1 in Delhi. She cited her commitment to overseeing state elections and dealing with Cyclone Remal as her reasons for absence.
Speaking at an election rally in Kolkata, the leader of the Trinamool Congress explained, “The INDIA bloc scheduled a meeting for June 1, but I explained my inability to attend due to ongoing elections here and the pressing need to address cyclone-related issues. How could I leave when there are relief efforts and elections simultaneously?”
She emphasized her focus on providing relief to affected people, stating, “While I’m engaged in this rally, my thoughts are with those impacted by the cyclone. Their welfare is my priority.”
Trinamool Congress to Miss INDIA Bloc Meeting
The Trinamool Congress has decided not to attend the upcoming meeting of the INDIA bloc on June 1. Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal and leader of TMC, explained that they cannot participate due to the elections being held on the same day in West Bengal, as well as in Punjab, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
With the looming threat of a cyclone and the pressing need to focus on election matters, attending the meeting in Delhi is not feasible. The upcoming election in West Bengal’s seventh phase is significant, with nine seats up for grabs, including all seats in Kolkata and greater Kolkata. This makes it a crucial day for TMC, further emphasizing their inability to travel to Delhi for the meeting.
Also Read: Swati Maliwal Alleges Death and Rape Threats, Blames YouTuber Dhruv Rathee
INDIA Bloc Strategy Meeting
A media report suggests that members of the INDIA bloc will meet to talk about what they should do next, especially with the June 4 election results coming up.
In West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress is not teaming up with the INDIA bloc members.
The first meeting of the INDIA bloc happened in Patna on June 23 last year, followed by another one in Bengaluru on July 17 and 18. The third meeting was on August 31 and September 1. During this meeting, members of the opposition alliance agreed to join forces and compete together in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
Why Will Mamata Banerjee Skip INDIA Bloc Meeting?
On June 1, voting will happen for nine seats in West Bengal, including two in Kolkata – Kolkata Dakshin and Kolkata Uttar. Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek will cast their votes in this phase.
Other areas in the state where polling will take place are Jadavpur, Dum Dum, Barasat, Basirhat, Jayanagar, Mathurapur, and Diamond Harbour.
On the same day, the INDIA bloc plans to hold an all-party meeting in Delhi, ahead of the final phase of Lok Sabha elections. This meeting aims to discuss future plans based on the coalition’s performance in the elections. All alliance partners are invited to participate in this meeting.
Trinamool Congress didn’t join seat-sharing talks in West Bengal, leading to tensions with state Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. However, Mamata Banerjee expressed willingness to offer support to the INDIA bloc after the election results are out.
Also Read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 5, List of States And Constituencies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1. Why is Mamata Banerjee skipping the INDIA bloc meeting?
Ans. Mamata Banerjee cited her commitment to overseeing state elections and addressing Cyclone Remal’s impact as reasons for her absence.
Q.2. What are the reasons behind Trinamool Congress’ absence from the meeting?
Ans. Trinamool Congress is focusing on elections in West Bengal, Punjab, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, alongside managing cyclone relief efforts.
Q.3. How does the upcoming election in West Bengal affect their participation?
Ans. The crucial seventh phase of elections in West Bengal, particularly in Kolkata and greater Kolkata, demands the full attention of TMC leaders, making it impractical to attend the Delhi meeting.
Q.4. What significant events are happening in West Bengal on June 1?
Ans. On June 1, voting is scheduled for nine seats in West Bengal, including key areas like Kolkata Dakshin and Kolkata Uttar, where Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek will cast their votes.
Q.5. Will Trinamool Congress support the INDIA bloc after the election results?
Ans. Despite tensions with state Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury over seat-sharing talks, Mamata Banerjee expressed willingness to offer support to the INDIA bloc post-elections.
