Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has begun internal discussions on strengthening the Congress in West Bengal amid the ongoing political turmoil in the Trinamool Congress (TMC). According to reports, Gandhi recently met former West Bengal Congress president and senior leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in New Delhi to discuss strategies for reviving the party in the state.
According to a report published by Hindustan times the meeting focused on the immediate steps needed to rebuild Congress in Bengal after the party’s poor performance in the recent Assembly elections. Chowdhury reportedly told Gandhi that the current political situation presents a significant opportunity for Congress to regain its lost support base in the state.
People aware of the matter said Gandhi met former West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Saturday and discussed immediate tasks for the party’s revival in the state, where it lost power 49 years ago in 1977. Chowdhury, a fierce critic of TMC, was quoted as telling Gandhi that the Congress, has a “golden opportunity” to revive itself in West Bengal. The two leaders discussed how a large section of the people, particularly Muslims, who account for 27% of the state’s population (2011 census), might turn towards the Congress.
The discussions come at a time when the TMC is facing internal challenges, including resignations and defections by several leaders. Reports and political observers suggest that some grassroot TMC workers and leaders maybe interested in joining the Congress following the party’s recent setbacks.
The meeting has also gained importance because Congress is reportedly considering changes in its leadership structure in West Bengal. While Rahul Gandhi is expected to continue discussions with opposition leaders, Congress appears focused on rebuilding its organisational strength and expanding its presence in the state.
