West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, asserted on Saturday that the opposition INDIA bloc could potentially seek to establish government control at the Centre in the foreseeable future.
“Today the INDIA bloc has not made any claim (to form the government). But that does not mean that it will not stake claim in the future. Right now, we have taken a wait-and-watch stand. The country needs change.
"The NDA will now have to accommodate so many partners. I think the INDIA bloc will form the government in the near future. Till then, this government can continue,” stated the Trinamool Congress leader while addressing the media following a meeting with the party's newly-elected MPs.
Elaborating on her belief that the INDIA bloc stands a chance to govern at the Centre, Banerjee pointed out, “The allies in the NDA have too many demands. Whereas the allies in the INDIA bloc do not have any demand.”
According to Banerjee, considering the 'disappointing performance' in the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi should have considered stepping down from his position.
“I said the NDA will not cross the 200 mark. However, the gain in numbers for the NDA was helped by the Election Commission of India,” claimed the Chief Minister.
During the meeting with the newly-elected MPs, Banerjee delineated Trinamool's agenda for the 18th Lok Sabha session.
The party MPs are set to voice concerns over the non-allocation of central funds to the state, alleged misuse of central agencies against opposition parties, and their opposition to the CAA and NRC.
“The results in both the constituencies in East Midnapore -- Kanthi and Tamluk -- were manipulated,” she claimed.
Additionally, Banerjee alleged that Trinamool's seat count in the Lok Sabha polls could have been higher than the 29 seats it secured if not for alleged 'manipulations' by polling officials in certain constituencies.
"The results in both East Midnapore constituencies—Kanthi and Tamluk—were manipulated," she asserted.
Read also | Will think twice before giving tickets to Muslims in future: Mayawati
Read also | Prime Minister pays tribute at Mahatma Gandhi memorial
