2019 elections: Possibilities are endless for Mamata, says Derek O'Brien

TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien has not ruled out the possibility of CM Mamata Banerjee thinking beyond West Bengal in 2019 to pose a possible challenge to take on PM Narendra Modi in the general elections. Armed with more than three dozen MPs, possibilities are endless, feels the TMC MP.

Speaking exclusively to India Today, Derek maintained that though Mamata Banerjee does not aspire for any post or chair but insinuated that she cannot be a force to be ignored in 2019. Derek said that Didi with 35 MPs in her kitty will be going into the Lok Sabha polls which is simply, a strength with which possibilities are endless. "Didi does not aspire for any chair. We have 34 MPs with us and after one extrapolate assembly win, we have 35 MPs. Didi will go into 2019 with three dozen MPs. Possibilities are endless", said Derek.

2019 POLLS: TMC STRONGER THAN CONGRESS?

Placing the TMC as a stronger force than Congress in 2019, the MP took pot shots pointing that Congress had only 44 MPs while TMC alone has three dozen MPs in Bengal. "Congress only has 44. We are anti-CPM, everybody knows that. But she does seek out a chair. She calls herself a LIP, less important person and not a VIP", said Derek.

Derek, however, ducked question on the possibility of Mamata Banerjee's nephew Abhishek Banerjee taking reins of TMC if the former shifted to Delhi. He said that the question was premature.

BJP State President Dileep Ghosh, earlier said that there was no vacancy for PM post in 2019 and Didi should focus on development of Bengal instead. "Delhi is far away for Mamata Banerjee. She should focus on Bengal after the huge mandate she has won", said the Bengal BJP President.

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