Congress tones down attack on TMC after support on women’s reservation and delimitation, reshaping Bengal poll dynamics and INDIA bloc equations
New Delhi: A significant political shift is unfolding ahead of the Bengal elections, as the Indian National Congress appears to have softened its stance against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) following recent developments around women’s reservation and delimitation debates.
The evolving dynamics indicate a strategic recalibration within the opposition space, even as both parties continue to contest independently in West Bengal.
From Aggression to Tactical Restraint
Until recently, Congress had adopted an aggressive campaign strategy in the state, targeting both the TMC and the BJP.
Senior leader Rahul Gandhi held rallies in Malda, Murshidabad, North Dinajpur and Raiganj on April 14, where he sharply criticised both the BJP and Mamata Banerjee.
The party had also planned extensive campaigning by Priyanka Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, targeting key voter segments including minorities, Dalits and tribal communities.
Women’s Reservation Row Alters Political Equations
The turning point came during the controversy surrounding the women’s reservation and delimitation-related constitutional amendment, where the TMC extended unexpected support aligning with Congress’ position.
Reports indicate that the TMC sent 21 MPs to vote against the amendment, a move that helped ease tensions between the two parties.
“The issue has reshaped political messaging, reducing direct confrontation between Congress and TMC.”
Following this development, Sonia Gandhi reportedly reached out to Mamata Banerjee, while Rahul Gandhi expressed gratitude to Abhishek Banerjee, signalling a thaw in relations.
Campaign Strategy Sees Sudden Shift
In a notable shift, Rahul Gandhi did not campaign further in Bengal after April 14, while Priyanka Gandhi’s scheduled rallies were cancelled.
Mallikarjun Kharge, who had earlier launched the party’s Bengal manifesto, limited his campaigning and focused primarily on targeting the BJP rather than the TMC.
On the final day of campaigning for the first phase, top Congress leaders largely stayed away from Bengal, with Kharge attending events in Tamil Nadu instead.
Congress Walks Tightrope in Bengal
Sources suggest that Congress leadership is now attempting to balance electoral competition with broader opposition unity, especially within the INDIA bloc.
Rahul Gandhi is said to have clarified internally that the party’s primary political battle remains against the BJP, and it does not intend to weaken other “secular forces.”
Even during earlier speeches, Rahul reportedly devoted 75% of his criticism to the BJP and only 25% to the TMC, though the latter gained disproportionate media attention.
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury’s Unease Highlights Internal Tension
The shift has reportedly caused discomfort for senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a long-time critic of Mamata Banerjee.
Encouraged initially by Congress’ independent stance, he entered the Berhampur Assembly race, making alleged BJP-TMC collusion a central campaign issue.
However, the changing political tone at the top leadership level has left him in a difficult position, reflecting internal contradictions within the party’s Bengal strategy.
Political Implications Ahead of Polls
The softening of Congress’ stance could reshape opposition dynamics in West Bengal, even as both parties officially remain separate competitors.
Analysts believe the development may influence voter perception, alliance possibilities and post-election equations, making the Bengal contest more complex than before.
