West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declares that the INDIA bloc's prime ministerial candidate will be determined after the 2024 general elections, expressing confidence in addressing alliance issues and countering the BJP's influence.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated on Monday that the prime ministerial candidate for the INDIA bloc will be decided post the 2024 general elections. Banerjee expressed confidence that the alliance, including her Trinamool Congress (TMC), Congress, and the Left, will address issues such as seat-sharing and collectively defeat the BJP. Dismissing concerns about delayed coordination, she emphasized the imperative of working together to counter the BJP's perceived influence.
Responding to questions on the BJP's rising influence, especially in the Hindi belt, Banerjee remarked, "The BJP is not strong; we are weak. We need to work together to overcome it." She further noted her commitment to unity, stating that she doesn't discriminate between the Hindi belt and other regions.
Commenting on the suspension of opposition MPs in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Banerjee asserted that it reflects the BJP's fear, saying, "Even with such a majority, they're scared... The voice of the people has been choked. It is a mockery of democracy."
Addressing internal party matters, Banerjee expressed full support for expelled party MP Mahua Moitra and mentioned that the parliamentary party would decide on her Krishnanagar seat. She also downplayed the BJP's assertion about PM Modi's potential third term in 2024, stating, "2024 is not a done deal."