Will Get At Least 150 Seats: Sanjay Raut Disputes Mamata Banerjee's Critique Of Congress' Electoral Prospects

In a twist to the unfolding political narrative regarding the possibilities of Opposition INDIA alliance, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has diverged from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee”s recent critique of the Congress party”s electoral prospects in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Raut”s remarks challenge Banerjee”s assertion that Congress may struggle to secure a significant number of seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Contrary to Mamata Banerjee”s assessment, Sanjay Raut expressed optimism regarding Congress” electoral performance, stating, “We think that the Congress will get at least 150 seats (in Lok Sabha elections). INDIA alliance is strong. If she (Mamata Banerjee) has said so, she must have said it about West Bengal.”

Banerjee”s criticism of Congress was voiced during a public address in Murshidabad, where she cast doubt on the party”s ability to secure even 40 seats in the upcoming polls expected to be held in April and May. Her remarks underscored growing tensions within the opposition coalition, particularly concerning strategic coordination and electoral alliances.

The Chief Minister”s critique extended to Rahul Gandhi”s recent campaign activities in Bengal, where she mocked his engagement with bidi workers during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

The chemistry between the Congress and Mamata Banerjee’s TMC has gone sour in the eastern state since both the parties, constituents of Opposition INDIA alliance, could not find any breakthrough. Situation become more troublesome for the parties after the public mudslinging followed by the initial troubles. Again, the Mamata’s criticism of Rahul Gandhi’s ambitious yatra has also made the situation worse.

In a bold challenge to Congress, Banerjee called upon the party to demonstrate its electoral strength by contesting and defeating the BJP in Varanasi, a stronghold of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Her remarks signaled a call for strategic reevaluation and revitalization within the party to effectively challenge the ruling BJP in the upcoming elections.

“Congress, I don”t know if you will win 40 seats out of 300. Why such arrogance? You came to Bengal, we are an INDIA alliance. Tell me at least. I came to know from the administration. If you have guts, defeat the BJP in Varanasi. You lose in places where you won earlier!,” she said in Murshidabad.