West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee recently thanked leaders of the INDIA alliance who supported her leadership claim, widening rifts within the opposition bloc. While Trinamool Congress (TMC) thanked RJD’s Lalu Prasad Yadav and NCP’s Sharad Pawar for backing her, the Bengal Congress criticized her actions as a “BJP conspiracy” aimed at weakening the alliance.

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• Mamata Banerjee thanked leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Sharad Pawar who supported her leadership bid in the INDIA alliance.
• She expressed her gratitude during a visit to Digha, offering best wishes for their health.
• Bengal Congress chief Subhankar Sarkar accused Mamata’s claim of being a BJP plot to create divisions within the opposition.
• Sarkar criticized Mamata’s actions for benefiting the BJP during times when the opposition should remain united.
• Congress leaders were surprised by Mamata’s leadership claim, as TMC has been avoiding INDIA bloc meetings.
• Some Congress members pointed out TMC’s contradictory stance on being part of the INDIA bloc.
• TMC’s announcement of candidates for the 2024 polls in Bengal has already caused friction with Congress.
• Mamata’s leadership claim follows poor performances of Congress in recent state elections like Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana.
• Some members of the opposition bloc feel that Congress isn’t properly coordinating with its allies.
• The leadership dispute highlights ongoing tensions within the opposition ahead of the 2024 elections.