Sonia aims better relation with TMC

She was not just present, but omnipresent. Technically it seemed a meeting for TMC-INC alliance of West Bengal; but actually it was for Congress candidates, including Abhijit, the son of Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. So, Sonia’s presence was simply more than expected.

Although, Trinamool Congress supremo, Mamata Banerjee, was campaigning far away from the district, her absence was filled up by Mrs. Gandhi’s speech while the later appealed, “Mamata is fighting to oust the 34 years’ left misrule. People are with her. Congress will continue support her struggle as Congress wants an end to the anti-democratic rule in Bengal.”

In her second round of election campaign tour, Sonia’s schedule does not cover any constituency contested by her party’s major ally, Trinamool Congress (TMC). The same was in her first tour. While both the partners are talking about ‘jot dharma’ (rules of alliance), each is more busy for its own candidates. Initially Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) leadership proposed for joint campaign, but in vain.

Sonia Gandhi is an exception to them. She aims more for better relation with TMC than more seats in West Bengal Assembly. Many a times she has indicated that ‘Mamata is also our part. Don’t disturb her anyway’. And today, she echoed Mamata’s tone and more directly terming the Left Front as ‘betrayer’. She alleged, “Left Front has betrayed the people of the state. They have not placed accounts of the Central Funds provided to the state.” Certainly her approach would satisfy the firebrand Bengal leader.

In her second tour Sonia attended three meetings in Birbhum, Murshidabad and Nadia district. In first phase she campaigned in North Bengal. After addressing the Nalhati meeting, she flew to Salar in Murshidabad in favor of INC candidate Dalia Begam.

Sonia’s presence was more important for this also as Adhir was not present at Rahul Gandhi’s rally at Domkal of Murshidabad. Instead he campaigned for a rebel candidate at Farakka which prompted Rahul to cancel Farakka rally. Addressing the Salar rally, Sonia directly asked her party-men to vote for alliance candidates forgetting rebels. By this, Sonia gave a string message to Adhir also which might mitigate at least a portion of PCC leaders and Mamata Banerjee’s grievances.

Sonia’s third meeting was at Shantipur in Nadia district, where some of the official Congress candidates are facing rebels. District Congress president, Shankar Singh, followed Adhir Chowdhury and another MP Deepa Dasmunshi’s line. Though PCC report called for stringent actions against Adhir, Deepa and Shankar, actions are unlikely before elections are over.