Mamata eyes opposition conclave in Lucknow to announce grand alliance

After her China visit this month, Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee plans to work on an Opposition’s conclave in Lucknow.
Banerjee had earlier said she was willing to attend meeting in Lucknow if SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSF supremo Mayawati invite her. According to Trinamool leaders, Banerjee, who has been tied up with state politics, panchayat and bypoll elections, will soon be featuring in a big way in national politics.

“The general elections in 2019 majorly depend on Uttar Pradesh and the alliance between Mayawati and Akhilesh. Didi has long been working on this alliance. In fact, she had initially proposed the idea to Akhilesh to join hands with Mayawati for bypolls and they agreed. The result is known to all. Didi is in good terms with Mayawati ji and they often talk over phone. Didi is also trying hard to get the alliance sealed,” said a senior Trinamool leader, close to Mamata Banerjee.

There will be a grand stage where all Opposition leaders will be present and the alliance will be announced in presence of Mamata Banerjee, said the leader. The talks for seat-sharing between these two major stake- holders in Uttar Pradesh are on, he added.

After her China visit in the last week of this month, Mamata is expected to meet DMK’s Stalin in Chennai. She would be joined by leaders from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Banerjee will attend the fourth governing council’s meeting of NITI Aayog in Delhi on Saturday.