The results of the Karnataka Assembly polls will boost the Congress’ fortunes in West Bengal and should come as a “reality check” to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has been ignoring the strength of the party here, the State Congress leadership said on Wednesday.
Referring to Ms. Banjerjee’s recent remarks that there would no UPA-III government at the Centre after the next general elections, senior leader Manas Ranjan Bhunia said here, “She should take a lesson from the party’s victory in Karnataka.”
“The results have proved that neither a government led by the BJP nor an alliance of regional parties will be able to come to power in the next general elections,” Dr. Bhunia said.
“Karnataka has proved beyond doubt that any non-Congress government cannot stay in power for long. Those in power in West Bengal should take a note of it,” State Congress general secretary Omprakash Mishra said.
‘Acid test’
Professor Mishra said the June 2 Howrah Lok Sabha by-election would be an acid test for the Trinamool Congress. This is the first time the Congress would contest against the Trinamool for a Lok Sabha seat after their alliance ended in September 2012.
