Everyone has to follow ‘High Command’s order’, ‘if someone doesn't, will go out’: Mallikarjun Kharge

Congress Leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Stands Firm Against Mamata Banerjee's Potential Alliance

Digital Desk: West Bengal chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury is in a fresh controversy after the Congress chief sidelines Chowdhury’s views, citing a lack of authority to decide on his (Chowdhury) own. A series of events unfolded since the INDIA came into being, as TMC chief Mamata Banerjee initially supported and later withdrew from the alliance. After the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections concluded, TMC again extended support to INDIA from outside. 

However, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury labelled TMC’s support as a ‘conspiracy’ and accused TMC of conspiring against Congress through a secret understanding with BJP.  "I cannot speak in favour of someone who wants to finish me politically and our party in Bengal. This is a battle for every Congress worker. I have spoken on their behalf," Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said as quoted by India Today.

Despite Banerjee's subsequent clarification of her role within the bloc, Chowdhury remains steadfast in his position, expressing concerns about Banerjee's intentions towards the Congress. He has stated that he will not permit any undermining of the party and has reiterated his dedication to upholding Congress values in West Bengal.

Mallikarjun Kharge says that Adhir Chowdhury is not the one to decide about TMC. TMC is with the INDIA alliance, and we, the high command, will take the final call. If anyone does not follow the party line, then he will be thrown out. Everyone has to follow ‘High Command’s order’; ‘if someone doesn't, will go out’, he said.

The support from the TMC is imminent to form a central government in India if the INDIA bloc secures good results in the Lok Sabha elections.

Chowdhury, known for his noteworthy support in West Bengal, emphasised his ideological opposition to Banerjee, highlighting his commitment to safeguarding the Congress party's interests in the state.

Chowdhury's criticisms extend beyond Banerjee to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP, questioning the dynamics between the two parties. His accusations of a potential understanding between the TMC and the BJP have added complexity to the political landscape in Bengal.

The fresh controversy is evidence of why Congress's central leadership was absent in West Bengal. The differences between Adhir Ranjan and Mamata Banerjee seem to be the cause of the failure of the INDIA alliance in Bengal. However, Kharge has finally taken a firm stand against Chowdhury to curb the problem that has persisted for a while.