“The decision will be made by the high command; those who disagree will be removed”: Congress President Mallickarjun Kharge Rebukes Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury over his Comments on Mamata Banerjee

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday called out fellow party member Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary for his negative comments about West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, affirming that Banerjee is aligned with the opposition INDIA bloc. Kharge stated that the decision regarding Banerjee's inclusion in the alliance lies with the Congress high command, not with Chowdhary.

Speaking at a joint press conference of the INDIA alliance in Mumbai alongside Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray and NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Kharge stated, "Mamata Banerjee is part of the alliance. She recently announced her intention to join the government. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary does not have the authority to decide. The decision will be made by me and the high command; those who disagree will be removed.”

In response to Kharge’s statement, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury stated that his fight against the Bengal Chief Minister is “ethical” and “not personal.” “My fight is ethical, not personal. My opposition is to protect my party in Bengal. I am a footsoldier of the Congress and cannot stop my fight,” said Chowdhury.

Previously, Chowdhary had expressed doubts about Banerjee's trustworthiness and suggested that she might align with the BJP. “I want to ask you (Mamata Banerjee) why you found the alliance sweet at first but now it seems sour to you. What is the secret behind this? What is the secret behind your ‘Kabhi Haa, Kabhi Naa’ (Sometimes yes, sometimes no)?” said the Baharampur MP.

However, Banerjee clarified her stance by confirming her commitment to the anti-BJP alliance at the national level and give her support if the opposition alliance is voted to power. Mamata Banerjee overthrew the 34 year left regime, when she formed the government in Bengal back in 2011. Banerjee stated that at the state level, she would not align with the Left and the Congress, as the Grand Old party is on good terms with the CPIM in Bengal. The Trinamool Congress supremo accused the West Bengal branches of the CPIM and Congress, both part of the INDIA alliance, of collaborating with the BJP in the state. Adhir Rnjan Chowdhury had openly hit out at Mamata Banerjee on several occasions, leading to the TMC's withdrawal from the INDIA bloc in Bengal in January.