New Delhi, April 27
Reports about the Trinamool Congress’ desire to return to the secular fold were roundly rejected by the Congress today.
“All those who are with the BJP in this crucial battle will not be welcome,” Congress spokesperson S. Jaipal Reddy said here today, adding that as far as the Congress was concerned, its doors were closed to the BJP’s allies.
Mr Reddy’s firm rejection, it was stated, was aimed at clearing any confusion which might have arisen over these reports emanating from the Mamata Banerjee camp. Party sources said the Congress and the TMC were in the midst of a “raging battle” with the two fighting each other in these elections. In fact, the Congress has fielded high-profile socialite Nafisa Ali against Ms Banerjee.
“We cannot afford to say she is acceptable,” remarked a senior party leader, stating that Ms Banerjee’s credibility was at its lowest today and the Congress would not like to say or do anything which would help her regain political respectability.
The party also rejected Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh’s offer today that it would be willing to help the Congress in Madhya Pradesh if the latter returned the favour in Uttar Pradesh. While maintaining that the SP was a secular party, the Congress said they were already fighting each other in the election battlefield.
Mr Reddy reiterated that the Congress and its allies, along with the support of Left parties, would get a clear majority in these elections.
