‘Mamata Banerjee Very Close To Me’: Rahul Says Adhir’s Jab On Bengal CM ‘Won’t Matter’

During a press interaction on the sidelines of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Rahul Gandhi disclosed ongoing talks with the Trinamool Congress concerning seat allocation for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Bengal.

Responding to queries about Chowdhury's recent statements suggesting that Congress might contest the elections independently, Gandhi stated, "Mamata Banerjee is very close to me. Sometimes our leaders say something. Such comments won't matter."

He also revealed extending invitations to Mamata Banerjee and Nitish Kumar to join his yatra as it traverses through West Bengal and Bihar, respectively.

Last week, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the state Congress chief, labelled Mamata Banerjee as an "opportunist" following reports of TMC's potential candidacy in all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal.

"We won't fight the election with Mamata's help. Congress knows how to fight on its own strength, and Mamata Banerjee should remember that it was with Congress's support she came to power in Bengal," Chowdhury remarked.

According to a report by India Today, the TMC offered two seats to Congress in West Bengal, but the latter sought a more substantial share as part of the alliance.

During a meeting with the Murshidabad district leadership on January 20, the top leaders decided to contest all seats, including Berhampur, where Chowdhury currently serves as the MP.