Mamata Banerjee’s national ambitions suffered a setback on Wednesday as social activist Anna Hazare skipped a rally at which the Trinamool Congress (TMC) was to the launch the party’s nationwide campaign for the Lok Sabha polls.

The much-hyped ‘Janatantra Rally’ turned out to be damp squib, as Hazare did not turn up and Banerjee was left alone to address a very small gathering at the Ramlila ground.
Hazare’s absence fuelled speculation about the possible end of a partnership that began just three weeks ago. The anti-corruption crusader had supported and endorsed the West Bengal chief minister’s national ambitions.

Hardly a two thousand people showed up for the rally, leaving swathes of empty chairs across the sprawling venue. This was a rude shock for Banerjee, who generally draws huge crowds in West Bengal. Nonetheless, she attacked all her political adversaries.

She accused the Congress-led UPA government of pursuing anti-people policies and also took a dig at the BJP’s Narendra Modi, saying he had a “communal face”. She also questioned Modi’s claim of “good governance” in Gujarat, asking why the infant mortality rate in the state was above the national average.