The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) on Saturday firmly dismissed speculation about a possible merger with the Congress party, labeling such reports as 'fake news.' Party national joint secretary Derek O'Brien stated there is no basis for the claims that emerged after top leaders from both parties met in New Delhi.
O'Brien's Statement
O'Brien said, 'Let me put an end to this fake news about the AITC merging with any other party. Baseless. Yes, that's the perfect word used by my friend KC Venugopal.' He aimed to halt the rumors decisively.
Background of Speculation
The clarification follows heightened political chatter after a series of interactions between senior Trinamool Congress and Congress leaders earlier this week. These included meetings involving TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
Congress Denial
The Congress party also strongly denied the merger reports. On Thursday, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal dismissed the speculation, saying, 'How can we answer for this rumour? These are totally rumours. Yesterday our communication secretary has already stated that. These are baseless things. Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee met Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, but it was a routine discussion as they (TMC) are an extension of INDIA alliance.'
Purpose of Meetings
According to sources cited by news agency PTI, the recent engagements between the two parties were aimed at strengthening coordination within the opposition INDIA bloc, not discussing any organizational integration.
Abhishek-Rahul Meeting
On Wednesday, Abhishek Banerjee met Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi. Reports indicated that the meeting was part of ongoing consultations between the Congress and the TMC following talks during the INDIA bloc meeting earlier in the week.
Mamata-Sonia Meeting
A day earlier, Mamata Banerjee met Sonia Gandhi after attending the opposition alliance meeting in the national capital. While neither side officially disclosed details, sources said the former West Bengal chief minister emphasized the need for greater opposition unity and advocated collective action by INDIA bloc partners on public issues and against the BJP.
