Team News Riveting
Raipur, October 9
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has trained its guns at Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel over the controversy that flared up with the comment of poll strategist Prashant Kishor on Congress.
Responding to Congress’ action in Lakhimpur Kheri after the violence that killed eight people including four farmers, Kishor said, “People looking for a quick, spontaneous revival of GOP (Grand Old Party) led opposition based on the Lakhimpur Kheri incident are setting themselves up for a big disappointment.” Unfortunately, there are no quick-fix solutions to the deep-rooted problems and structural weakness of the GOP, he added on his Twitter handle.
The comment came as a shock for the Congress that has been eyeing Kishor to draw a strategy for it in Uttar Pradesh that goes to the polls next year. It also widened the simmering differences between the TMC and Congress following Kishor’s proximity to the former. Congress has tried to patch up with TMC and even did not field a candidate against Mamata Banerjee in the recently concluded by-polls. But the attempt went in vain.
The party now goes offensive against the TMC and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel lobbed the first volley. “People looking for a “national” alternative based on poaching INC functionaries, who can’t win even their own seats, are in for a big disappointment. Unfortunately, to become a national alternative, deep-rooted and concerted efforts are needed, and there are no quick-fix solutions,” Baghel said while reacting to Kishor’s tweet.
Trinamool leaders had played down the comment and took a jibe at Chhattisgarh Chief Minister. “Baghel is not that important. Who can comment on Mamata? We are trying to reach out to other states, people are coming and joining, we are not into poaching,” TMC leader Saugata Roy said.
Even the TMC official social media platform followed the line. “Rich words coming from a first-time CM. Punching above your weight doesn’t bring honour to you, Mr. @bhupeshbaghel. What a shoddy attempt to please the high command!” the TMC tweeted. By the way, is @INCIndia going to try to erase the historical defeat at Amethi through yet another Twitter Trend? it added.
