In a recent meeting of the Opposition INDIA bloc, the decision to expedite seat-sharing talks for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections faces challenges, particularly for the Congress. The meeting, held in Delhi, emphasized the need to reach a consensus on seat-sharing, but key allies in three states are disrupting Congress’s plans.
Obstacles in West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Punjab:
TRINAMOOL TO GO ALONE IN WEST BENGAL
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared that Trinamool Congress (TMC) would contest alone in the state for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, while the INDIA bloc would maintain a national presence. In 2019, Congress contested independently in West Bengal, winning two out of 42 seats, and TMC secured 22 seats.
UDDHAV SENA DEMANDS 23 SEATS IN MAHARASHTRA
Shiv Sena (UBT) in Maharashtra has demanded 23 seats, creating a roadblock in seat-sharing discussions. Former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan labeled the demand as “excessive,” stressing the need for adjustment among parties. In the 2019 elections, Congress and NCP fought together, winning only one seat out of 48, while Shiv Sena and BJP secured 23 and 25 seats, respectively.
AAP WILL GO SOLO IN PUNJAB
In Punjab, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has publicly expressed its intention to contest alone, a sentiment echoed in a closed-door meeting with Congress leaders. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has urged people to vote for AAP in all 13 seats, signaling no scope for seat-sharing with Congress. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Congress won eight seats, and AAP secured one out of 13.
The Congress is expected to encounter similar seat-sharing challenges in other states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand.
