India elections 2024: Trinamool dumps oppn INDIA bloc, announces all 42 candidates in Bengal

The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), the Indian political party with its bastion in West Bengal, on Sunday (Mar 10) announced the names of all 42 candidates from the state for the upcoming Lok Sabha(Lower House of the Indian Parliament) polls.

Among noteworthy candidates, Mahua Moitra will fight from Krishnanagar, former cricketer Yusuf Pathan from Berhampore,Saayoni Ghosh from Jadavpur,Gopal Lamba from Darjeeling,Abhishek Banerjee from Diamond Harbour, and actor Shatrughan Sinha from Asansol.

The announcement camefollowing a lot of political maneuvering and shifting allegiances ahead of the general elections expected to be held in the country in April-May.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the TMC had secured 22 seats, a decrease from its previous count in 2014. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of the NDA alliance had made significant gains, capturing 18 seats. Whilethe Congress at the time only managed to secure two seats.

Also Read |Chola and Jatayu: Indian Navy's ode to maritime history in a week of naval milestones

As West Bengalgearsup for the elections with 42 parliamentary constituencies in the state, TMC attempted a seat-sharing agreement with the Congress as part of the Opposition's INDIA bloc, but failed.

As recently as Sunday (Mar 10), the West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee declared that there would be no seat adjustments with Congress in the state.

Also Read |PM Modi launches scathing attack on TMC, says ‘Trinamool made fake MNREGA job cards’

This is yet another statement by the state CM after her January comments where she affirmed the TMC's decision to contest alone in West Bengal after failed negotiations with the Congress. "Whatever proposal I gave them, they have refused all," she had stated while adding, "Since then, we have decided to go alone in Bengal."

The negotiations seemingly failed after TMC's stance on seat-sharing remained firm. The party had offered only two seats to the Congress based on electoral performance criteria, whichwas rejected by the grand old party.

Media reports citing sources have said that the candidate list to be announced by the TMC may feature familiar names. This could include current MPs, while also introducing some fresh faces.In a surprising move, the TMC might also announce candidate namesfor Assam, Meghalaya, and Uttar Pradesh.

'Jana Garjan Sabha' rally

The announcement coincided with the 'Jana Garjan Sabha' rally. The rally led by the state CM drew a massive crowd of supporters.

“We are organising a rally at Brigade Parade Grounds after a long time. It is going to be a historic event. Our party supremo Mamata Banerjee will give a message which we will take to every nook and corner of West Bengal and ensure the defeat of the BJP in all the 42 Lok Sabha seats of the state,” PTI news agency reported earlier while quoting TMC leader Firhad Hakim.

Watch |India: Over $14 billion to spent by political parties, says report

This gathering is also occurring amid a flurry of political defections, with former TMC MLA Tapas Roy and BJP MLA Mukut Mani Adhikari making switches.

The TMC, however, faces challenges following recent controversies, notably the upheaval in Sandeshkhali, where allegations of land grab and sexual harassment against suspended TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh sparked violent protests. Founded by Mamata Banerjee in 1998, the AITC has rapidly ascended in West Bengal's politics after it broke away from the Indian National Congress.

(With inputs from agencies)