New Delhi: Vice Presidential candidate and Senior Congress leader Margaret Alva on Friday showed disappointment over Trinamool Congress’ decision of abstaining to support her in the elections. She added that it’s not “the time for ‘whataboutery’, ego or anger.”
“The TMC’s decision to abstain from voting in the VP election is disappointing. This isn’t the time for ‘whataboutery’, ego or anger. This is the time for courage, leadership & unity. I believe, Mamata Banerjee, who is the epitome of courage, will stand with the opposition,” posted Alva on Twitter.
A day earlier, the Trinamool Congress announced that the party will not support the Opposition candidate for Vice-Presidential election, Rajasthan former governor Margaret Alva adding that the selection for the VP post was done without “consultation with TMC”.
TMC’s decision have given a major blow to several political outfits who were hoping to strengthen the unity of Opposition. However, it should not be ruled out that the Shiv Sena and the JMM supported the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate — Droupadi Murmu in the presidential election.
The development came as a shock since Mamata Banerjee actively participated in the Presidential elections. The West Bengal CM constantly visited Delhi and convened a number of meetings while insisting upon strengthening the power of the Opposition.
However, the TMC has clarified that it will neither support the NDA candidate Jagdeep Dhankar which is tacit given the tussle between the two during the latter’s tenure as West Bengal governor.
The general secretary said, “We know how Jagdeep Dhankhar was when he was the West Bengal Governor. He attacked the people of Bengal and the Chief Minister in different ways. Hence we will not go with the NDA candidate at any cost.”
