Kolkata – A fresh war of words has broken out between the Congress and the Trinamool Congress after senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not personally attending Rahul Gandhi’s Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar.

Speaking at a programme in Kolkata, Chowdhury alleged that Mamata avoided the event because she did not want to be overshadowed by Rahul Gandhi. “When Modi is trying to curb people’s voting rights and leaders from across the country are standing with Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee chose not to go because she would pale in comparison,” he said.

TMC Sends Delegation

Instead of attending herself, Banerjee deputed Yusuf Pathan and Lalitesh Tripathi to represent the Trinamool Congress at the concluding rally in Bihar on September 1.

Responding to Chowdhury’s criticism, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said the decision was entirely the party’s prerogative. “The programme already has the backing of Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee. That’s why representatives were sent. Adhir Ranjan is upset only because Yusuf Pathan, who defeated him in the last Lok Sabha polls, is part of the delegation,” Ghosh remarked.

Background to the March

Rahul Gandhi launched the Voter Adhikar Yatra on August 17 to protest against alleged irregularities in Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The Trinamool Congress has also opposed the SIR in West Bengal, vowing to block its implementation in the state.

BJP’s Stand

Meanwhile, Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar urged the Election Commission to ensure smooth execution of electoral reforms, even suggesting central forces be deployed if state police failed to protect Booth Level Officers.

The escalating exchanges reflect deepening tensions between the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and BJP ahead of upcoming electoral battles.

Source: NDTV | Reported by Rittick Mondal
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