Following in the footsteps of their Andhra Pradesh counterparts a majority of the Bengal Pradesh Congress leaders have decided to go it alone in the coming general elections.
After a prolonged meeting in presence of the party’s central observer Gaurav Gogoi senior PCC leaders decided to go it alone in the elections “though this will not mean the party will stop all transactions with the anti-BJP forces,” a senior leader said, adding the Congress for the past more than a decade had been contesting elections as subordinate partner to either the Trinamool Congress or the Left Front.
“This has affected the party organisationally. The PCC now wants to tone up its organisational prowess for 2021 Assembly elections. Going it alone in this election will help the Congress not only to test its capabilities when left on its own but also it will rebuild its organisation,” said the leader present in the meeting.
Though the leaders favoured the ekla chalo policy a final decision will be taken by the AICC after the district party presidents give their opinion on the matter, insiders said. Two prominent leaders: former PCC president and Behrampore MP Adhir Chowdhury and senior leader Deepa Dasmunshi were conspicuous by their absence in the meeting. Known for their strong anti-Trinamool Congress stance these two leaders have often aired their preference for an alliance with the Left Front.
A majority of the PCC leaders also feel Priyanka Gandhi’s joining the Congress help the party’s cause in Bengal with a number of disgruntled TMC leaders preferring a home-coming. “In fact the PCC is also exploring possibilities bringing Priyanka ji to address a mass rally preferably in Brigade Parade Ground. If such rally becomes a success then it will definitely help Congress’ cause in future,” said a PCC leader and an MLA.
Meanwhile, the BJP said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address two rallies in Bengal in addition to three others likely to be held by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The Prime Minister is likely to hold two rallies on February 2 at Asansol and Thakurnagar in North 24 Parganas. The UP Chief Minister on the other hand is likely to address four rallies on February 3 and 5 at Bankura, Purulia, Balurghat and Raiganj, party sources said.