Calcutta: Following the assault on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) team in North 24 Parganas, the political climate in West Bengal has reached a boiling point. The ED team had targeted the residence of TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh in connection with a ration scam raid. A mob of 200 individuals launched an attack on the ED and CRPF team, resulting in widespread vandalism and numerous officer injuries. The Union Home Ministry has taken notice, and TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh has been apprehended. However, the BJP contends that this was a premeditated assault, advocating for an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Adding to the complexity, Mamata Banerjee's coalition partner in the INDI Alliance, the Congress, has also entered the fray over the incident.
Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary asserted, "Hooliganism and anarchy are the hallmark of Mamata Banerjee's rule." Despite the tension, Adhir Ranjan, known for his outspokenness against Mamata, expressed discontent over seat-sharing post-attack. Mamata's stance was clear that Congress would not be allocated more than two seats in Bengal. Adhir Ranjan further emphasized that Congress should not expect any leniency. This turmoil occurs at a crucial juncture as the INDI Alliance approaches seat-sharing discussions. The Left, aligning with Adhir Ranjan, acknowledges the challenges of collaborating with Mamata Banerjee. Alliance leaders assert that while such incidents may persist, they won't undermine the overall cohesion of the alliance.
The escalating tensions between the TMC and the Congress raise doubts about the sustainability of the I.N.D.I. Alliance. Congress is evidently engaged in a direct confrontation with regional parties. In Bihar, the possibility of Lalu Yadav aligning with the Congress to facilitate his son's ascent to the Chief Minister's position reveals an underlying conflict between Nitish Kumar, the Congress, and the RJD. Similarly, strains persist between Akhilesh Yadav and the Congress in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP find themselves at odds with the Congress regarding the distribution of seats, further exacerbating the political discord.
