Why did Mamata Banerjee rule out an alliance with Congress in West Bengal for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls

1. Regional Dominance: Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC) currently holds a dominant position in West Bengal politics. By ruling out an alliance with Congress, Banerjee aims to solidify her party's regional dominance and maintain control over the state without having to share power with a national party like Congress. 2. Strategic Calculations: Banerjee might believe that aligning with Congress, a perceived weak force in West Bengal, would not add significant value in terms of electoral success. By going alone, the TMC can focus on consolidating its own support base and exploiting its existing organizational and grassroots strength. 3. Divergent Political Ideologies: TMC and Congress may have conflicting political ideologies and approaches. Mamata Banerjee's party advocates for regional autonomy and has often displayed a combative stance towards the central government. An alliance with the more moderate, national Congress party, which favors a more centralized approach, could potentially dilute the TMC's regional appeal. 4. Past Bitter Experiences: The TMC has had previous experience with Congress, where it believes it was let down. In the past, Congress was accused of not providing adequate support during crucial state elections. These experiences might have bred a lack of trust and a reluctance to form a partnership again. 5. Competitive Politics: West Bengal is known for its fiercely competitive political landscape, with multiple parties vying for power. The TMC's refusal to ally with Congress could be a strategic move to gain an advantage over its opponents, preventing any consolidation of anti-incumbent votes that an alliance might create.