Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee, who got re-elected as her party’s chairperson on Tuesday, has once again asked the regional parties to unite for defeating the BJP-led coalition in 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While she is visiting Uttar Pradesh on February 8 to campaign for the Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, the Trinamool aspires to contest Lok Sabha seats from the state in 2024, she stated.
Addressing her party representatives at the organisational election at Netaji Indoor Stadium, Mamata said, “We are ready to fight. We are ready to remove (defeat) the BJP. In days to come, we want all regional parties (to come together)… Come! Let’s work together and defeat the BJP in 2024, politically. This is our pledge. Jo darte hain woh marte hain, jo ladte hain woh zinda rehte hain, ham ladenge lekin kabhi nahin harenge (Those who fear, die. Those who fight, thrive. We will fight, but will never bow down.”
Can you remove the BJP? Mamata asked, while interacting with party supporters, and said that if the CPI(M) could be defeated in Bengal after 40 years, then BJP too could be removed. She alleged that Congress representatives voted in favour of the BJP in Meghalaya, and in Chandigarh. “We had wanted that those who are against the BJP, such a front should unite. But if someone doesn't listen, sits with arrogance, then remember, Tagore shows the way… Ekla cholo re (If no one responds to your call, then go your own way, alone)... Will have to fight,” she said.
Mamata clarified that her February 8 visit to Uttar Pradesh is to extend support to Samajwadi leader Akhilesh Yadav for the upcoming assembly elections. She, however, added that Trinamool will contest from UP in the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. She added that her party is on an expansion mode and will continue to contest elections from more states in days to come.
“We want UP to do well. If we get a chance in Goa, we will perform and show. If we get an opportunity in Tripura, we will show what we can do. I am going to UP. I am not going to UP for contesting. But I am visiting to extend support to Akhilesh for the assembly elections. For this I have a meeting in UP on 8th (February),” Mamata said. “We have a functional unit in UP. With it, we will contest in Lok Sabha (elections). But in assembly (elections) we want Akhilesh, his team, his front to come forward,” she added.
Mamata instructed her party representatives to build relations with civic societies and shape a mancha (platform) for working together. She added, “We have two years. In these two years Bengal (party’s presence in the state) will have to be strengthened. You have to take (win) 42 seats out of the 42. If Modiji, BJP have to be removed (defeated), then first strengthen your house.”
To have its presence felt as a national party, the Trinamool will also hold its working committee meeting in the national capital. The party’s constitution, policies concerning economy, external affairs, will be put forth nationally. She also criticised the Union Budget and the state Governor’s role in administrative affairs.
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