Kolkata: Mamata Banerjee’s open support for her counterpart in Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, could have serious implications for the formation of the ‘federal front’ the West Bengal chief minister tried to create last year.
Kejriwal, who is locked in a bitter power struggle with Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, called up Banerjee for “advice” and, according to insiders, Banerjee promised “full support”.
Though Banerjee has trod cautiously and kept to the principals of federalism in her tweets, to show solidarity towards the Aam Admi Party (AAP), insiders say the two are in constant touch over the formation of a front to take on the ruling BJP.
In the run-up to the 2014 elections, Banejree had expectations of joining hands with Anna Hazare who ditched her at the last moment by not attending a rally in Delhi due to low attendance.
However, she is confident of forming a front with Kejriwal.
“The federal front has been a longtime dream of Mamata. She wanted it in 2014, but the country overwhelmingly voted for the BJP. However, politicians like Mamata do not live for one election. She understands that importance of a front as the Congress party is diminishing every day and the need for a counter is getting imperative,” a TMC core committee member said.
It is not the first time that Banerjee has supported AAP. During the Delhi elections, she openly asked Bengalis to vote for AAP and defeat the BJP. She is said to be in constant touch with Kejriwal and Derek O’Brien is said to be acting as the pointsman between the two.
“The duo could be the catalyst in forming the front. In the near future, they can even approach the newly united Janata Dal and take on the BJP. However, with experiments like the third front having failed they must approach with caution,” said political observer, Kushal Sen.
Others say although Banerjee is keen on a front at the centre, she needs Modi more than Kejriwal and would tread cautiously on the issue.
“We have seen a recent patch-up between Modi and Mamata, where she had even agreed to accompany the prime minister to Dhaka. Doubt whether she will do anything now to disturb the equation as the general elections are four years away,” said Ishani Sen, a professor of political science.