New Delhi: In a significant reshuffle, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has been removed from his position as the West Bengal Congress President following his defeat in the Lok Sabha elections. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) swiftly announced Subhankar Sarkar as the new state Congress chief, effective immediately. Sarkar, known for his proximity to Congress MP and Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, takes on the role amidst speculations of shifting political strategies in the state.
Congress leader KC Venugopal made the announcement, praising Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury for his contributions during his tenure as state president. Despite his efforts, Chowdhury’s staunch criticism of West Bengal’s Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader, Mamata Banerjee, had set him at odds with the broader Congress strategy. His vocal opposition to any alliance with the Trinamool Congress during the Lok Sabha election was seen as a divisive stance within the party.
Subhankar Sarkar, a former president of the Bengal Youth Congress, has held several significant roles within the AICC, including working in various states such as Odisha and Delhi. His appointment is viewed by many as a strategic move, as Sarkar is considered more open to negotiations with the Trinamool Congress, which could pave the way for an alliance in future elections.
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury’s removal had been speculated for some time following the Congress’s poor performance in the recent elections. Sources within the party suggest that Chowdhury’s refusal to cooperate with Mamata Banerjee’s party led to his ouster. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had reportedly reprimanded him for his rigid stance against the TMC.
The elevation of Subhankar Sarkar is now being interpreted as a signal that the Congress is ready to reconsider its political approach in Bengal. With Chowdhury no longer at the helm, the path appears clearer for a potential alliance between the Congress and the Trinamool Congress.
Sarkar’s pro-alliance stance, especially after the failed seat-sharing arrangement during the Lok Sabha polls, is seen as a tactical shift, one that may strengthen Congress’s position in the state against the ruling TMC. Political observers suggest that this shake-up marks the beginning of a new chapter for Congress in West Bengal, with Subhankar Sarkar steering the party towards possible collaboration with Mamata Banerjee’s faction.
As Sarkar takes on this new leadership role, it remains to be seen how this will reshape the political landscape in Bengal, but many are already viewing it as a step towards bridging the divide between the Congress and the Trinamool Congress.