In a major setback for the Congress party, talks of a potential alliance with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections have collapsed, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declaring that the TMC will go solo in the polls.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, in an effort to salvage the situation, engaged in a conversation with Mamata Banerjee on Thursday. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh confirmed the dialogue, expressing optimism that they would “find a way forward” despite the impasse over seat-sharing in Bengal.

The rift between the two parties escalated as TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien placed blame on Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury for the breakdown in talks. O’Brien cited irreconcilable differences, suggesting that Chowdhury’s views aligned with the BJP’s stance, thus contributing to the collapse of the alliance.

Despite the strained relations, Jairam Ramesh emphasized the importance of Mamata Banerjee’s participation in the upcoming Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, a joint rally organized by the Congress. Ramesh stated that Banerjee’s presence would significantly strengthen the opposition’s stance against the BJP, both in Bengal and across the country.

However, tensions are not limited to Bengal, as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar remains non-committal about joining the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. This development poses a significant setback for the Congress, considering the ongoing strains within the ruling coalition in Bihar.

Speculations have arisen regarding a potential alliance between the BJP and Janata Dal (U) in Bihar, fueled by recent events such as Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Yadav’s meetings in Patna and the BJP high command’s call for Bihar leaders to reach Delhi. The uncertainty surrounding Nitish Kumar’s participation in the joint rally adds to the challenges faced by the grand old party as it navigates complex political dynamics in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.