Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge praised West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury as a "combative soldier" of the party, days after snubbing him for questioning Mamata Banerjee's trustworthiness. Kharge's earlier remarks had sparked controversy, with Chowdhury criticizing Banerjee and alleging violence by her against Congress members. Kharge clarified that the Congress high command has decided to have a coalition with the Left in West Bengal, dismissing attempts by some TMC leaders to portray the alliance differently.