SHILLONG, JUNE 29: AITC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday said his party is determined to contest from all the 60 seats in the upcoming 2023 assembly elections in the state.

“Trinamool Congress will put its entire weight behind the state unit of Meghalaya. We will put our entire vigour and might to make sure we are able to contest all 60 seats and emerge victorious from all of them,” Abhishek told reporters after inaugurating the state party office in Lower Lachumiere.

Stating that the AITC is open for alliance with like-minded parties, he said, “It is too early to predict but we as a progressive force, we are open if some like-minded parties want to collaborate.”

The AITC leader however putting all speculations to rest said “I must tell you that Trinamool Congress is determined to fight from all 60 seats.”

When asked, Abhishek said, “I am not an astrologer. I will target (to get) all the 60 seats”.

He further stated that the AITC always fights elections based on principles, values and ethics.

“The party’s principles are the people’s interest. If BJP is controlling and drawing up the string from Delhi through NPP in Meghalaya, we hold them accountable and we will take them head on. That was the role of the opposition which was missing all these years in Meghalaya and we have shown them their place. Meghalayans will not be cowed down and they will not be second class citizens in their own state,” he added.

The AITC leader said Meghalayans, who want to be associated and are desperately looking for a change, should take the baton on them and ensure the NPP government is defeated in the next elections.