New Delhi: The but so far, no decision has been taken. One solution that is being looked at is to send Priyanka Gandhi for a couple of tours, with Rahul Gandhi being used sparingly. This, Bengal Congress feels, could shield Rahul Gandhi for whom a Kerala win is critical. If after losing Amethi, Congress loses in god’s own country, it would be detrimental for Rahul Gandhi’s reputation and prestige and would only help the BJP sharpen attacks on him.

Just recently, when Dinesh Trivedi resigned from Rajya Sabha, Chowdhury told that “this is no loss for the TMC. Dinesh Trivedi is a parasite and has no locus standi”. The TMC saw this as a welcome statement and hopes that as campaigning gets shriller, the Congress goes softer and doesn’t divide votes.