Amid the TMC crisis, a fresh political storm has erupted after reports claimed that Congress leadership has reached out to Mamata Banerjee for a possible merger between the two parties. Congress has offered a senior national role to Mamata Banerjee, while Abhishek Banerjee is also said to have been approached for a key position. The developments follow high-profile meetings between Mamata Banerjee, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi. The talks come at a time when the TMC is grappling with internal rebellion, organisational turmoil and growing pressure from dissident leaders. 

Sonia Gandhi, the Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, said on Monday that the delay in the census has denied 14 crore Indians their rightful benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). She emphasized that food security is not a privilege but a fundamental right. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, she pointed out that the census, which is already delayed by four years, may not take place this year either. Sonia Gandhi expressed concern that this delay is affecting many people’s access to essential benefits, especially food security, which is vital for their well-being. The lack of a proper census is hampering the proper distribution of resources meant for those in need.