Staff Reporter / New Delhi
Speculation over a possible merger between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Congress appears to be losing momentum, with sources indicating that key demands raised by the TMC leadership have failed to find favour within the Congress.
The Congress has already dismissed reports of any formal merger discussions. However, political circles remain abuzz following recent interactions between leaders of the two parties amid efforts to strengthen opposition unity.
According to sources, the TMC had sought the important post for Abhishek Banerjee as part of any future merger arrangement. The Congress leadership is understood to have rejected the proposal, maintaining that no organisational position can be negotiated in advance and that any such decision would be taken only after detailed consultations within the party.
Sources further said that the Congress is unwilling to accept any preconditions for a merger. The party’s position is that any regional outfit wishing to merge must do so unconditionally, following which the leadership and organisational structure would be decided through due process and internal discussions.
The reported differences have significantly reduced the possibility of a merger in the immediate future, even as opposition parties continue to explore avenues for greater coordination ahead of upcoming political battles.