On one side where the BJP opponents came together to form an alliance, naming it I.N.D.I.A., in just a few months, the alliance has begun to show cracks. It all started in the state where it was originally formed—Bihar, with CM Nitish Kumar. However, the surprising development now is the departure of the least expected member from the alliance: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo, Mamata Banerjee.
After months of meticulous planning, strategic discussions of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), a significant development unfolded in West Bengal—Trinamool’s leader and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee opted to break ties with the Congress, opting to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election independently in the state.
With the departure of key ally Nitish Kumar to the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) camp in Bihar and the INDIA coalition facing fragmentation, Mamata’s decision wasn’t merely a reactionary response to the collapsed seat-sharing negotiations with the Congress; it was more about safeguarding her party’s prospects in Bengal.
Despite ignoring Congress’ repeated attempts for reconciliation, Mamata hasn’t shut the door on potential post-election alliances, affirming her readiness to take any necessary steps to counter the BJP.
But this is the timeline that gives a clear picture of how Mamata Banerjee dumped INDIA alliance.
Here is the timeline that shows the facts of how TMC fades away from the alliance:
- JULY 18, 2023: TMC officially joins I.N.D.I.A alliance.
2. AUGUST, 2023: TMC leaders actively participate in alliance meetings
3. SEPTEMBER, 2023: Mamata Banerjee skips joint press meeting
4. DECEMBER 1, 2023: Mamata Banerjee skips a crucial alliance meetings
5. 22 JANUARY 2024: MAMATA says she cannot agree with I.N.D.I.A alliance Left Front Government
#WATCH | On the INDIA alliance, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, “…Mamata (Banerjee) is very much part of the INDIA alliance and most of the other members who are part of the INDIA alliance are still members of the INDIA alliance. Nitish Kumar has left the alliance and he’s gone… pic.twitter.com/54Vpi7s5o9
— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2024
6. 24 JANUARY 2024: Mamata Banerjee announces TMC to contest alone in West Bengal in 2024.
7. FEBRUARY 20, 2024: TMC – I.N.D.I.A alliance engages in discussions to resolve differences
6. MARCH 10, 2024: Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, TMC announces list of candidates for 42 seats
7. MARCH 10, 2024: Congress announces no alliance in West Bengal with the Trinamool Congress.
