Kolkata
Their remarks come as the party contests independently in the state after a gap of two decades.
The Congress has entered the West Bengal Assembly elections without any alliance, marking a significant shift in its electoral strategy after 20 years. With this approach, the party leadership has positioned itself against both the ruling All India Trinamool Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, aiming to establish itself as a viable third force in the state’s political landscape.
Pramod Tiwari and Akhilesh Prasad Singh emphasized that although the electoral battle is often seen as a contest between two dominant parties, the Congress is steadily gaining ground. They stated that the party’s growing presence could prove crucial in determining the formation of the next government. According to them, the Congress is no longer on the sidelines but is re-emerging as an influential player in the state.
Tiwari also highlighted West Bengal’s long-standing history of cultural and political movements, suggesting that the state has always been receptive to ideological shifts. He took aim at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, questioning the central government’s handling of security, particularly in areas directly under its jurisdiction. At the same time, he criticized the Trinamool Congress, alleging that it has fostered corruption, syndicate practices, and political violence.
Echoing similar sentiments, Akhilesh Prasad Singh claimed that no government could be formed in West Bengal without the Congress playing a pivotal role. He further alleged that the state has witnessed a decline in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and industry, calling for a change in governance.
The statements come ahead of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled visit to the state for election campaigning. Gandhi is set to address multiple meetings, including gatherings in Serampore, Kolkata, and the Metiaburuz area, as part of the party’s efforts to strengthen its outreach.
Meanwhile, the second phase of polling for the remaining 142 Assembly constituencies is scheduled for April 29, with results to be declared on May 4 after vote counting. As the campaign intensifies, the Congress is seeking to reposition itself as a key contender in West Bengal’s evolving political contest.
