Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering attack on the Congress party during his response to the motion of thanks to the President’s address in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
He seized upon West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent comments regarding internal differences within the INDIA bloc over seat-sharing, suggesting that the opposition party might struggle to secure even 40 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Modi criticized the Congress, highlighting what he portrayed as uncertainties surrounding its leadership and policies. “A challenge has been posed before you from West Bengal that Congress will not be able to cross 40 (seats in Lok Sabha elections 2024). I pray that you are able to secure 40,”PM Modi said.
Mamata Banerjee had last week criticized the Congress and the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, questioning its strategies and effectiveness. She expressed skepticism about the party’s ability to secure a significant number of seats, saying that she has doubts “if they will secure even 40 seats if they contested 300”.
Both Congress and Trinamool Congress are key constituents of the INDIA bloc, and with Lok Sabha elections anticipated to be held in April-May this year, political tensions are running high.