Days after West Bengal chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ruled out the possibility of an alliance with the Congress party, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Thursday stated that they (TMC) are open to the idea of forging an alliance with the Congress party for the West Bengal Assembly election, which is due next year.

The Diamond Harbour MP, who visited the Sebaashray camp in Satgachia earlier today, said, "We have said this categorically in the past as well—that we continue to be a part of the INDIA alliance. But if the Congress is not ready to consider a better seat-sharing arrangement, then we will go ahead and contest the elections on our own terms. We fought the elections alone, and we did not lose here."

Speaking on AAP's defeat in Delhi, Abhishek said, "BJP is a master at distracting people. They spread the narrative that AAP was not able to do anything in Delhi in the last five years. The AAP government could not counter it and say that the Centre did not let them do anything."

Abhishek Banerjee's statement, which is viewed as a reconciliation attempt by the ruling party in West Bengal, comes days after TMC supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly conveyed to party leaders on Monday that TMC would go solo in the Bengal Assembly elections in 2026.

"Congress has nothing in West Bengal, so there is no question of having an alliance with them in the state. Trinamool Congress will contest alone in West Bengal. We will form the government again for the fourth time in 2026, securing a two-thirds majority," said the WB CM in a meeting with party leaders.