Mamata Banerjee meets Sonia Gandhi to discuss possible Congress return

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi met former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee at 10 Janpath in New Delhi, the first closed‑door discussion between the two in nearly five years. Reports say Gandhi offered Banerjee a “ghar wapsi” – a return to the Congress party – as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) wrestles with internal unrest following its crushing defeat in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections.

The loss has triggered defections, a rebellion by some MLAs and MPs, and a weakened TMC presence in the Lok Sabha after several members reportedly shifted support to the ruling NDA. At the meeting, Banerjee raised concerns about the Election Commission’s role in the election and called for greater unity among opposition parties in the INDIA bloc. While speculation about a formal merger surfaced, Congress officials denied any such plan, emphasizing that the meeting was part of broader opposition coordination.

Both leaders were photographed hugging, a gesture highlighted by the TMC as a symbol of longstanding ties. The talks reflect ongoing efforts to consolidate opposition forces ahead of upcoming national elections.