Kolkata: The Congress high command has
called on Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee to discuss the yet
unresolved seat sharing deal between the two parties ahead of
the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.
Trinamool Congress sources said the development
followed a "telephone call from the Congress high command to
Mamata Banerjee this evening" but did not elaborate further.
"As instructed, I will be going to Delhi
(for talk with the Congress leadership)," Trinamool General
Secretary Mukul Roy said.
Asked about the leaders he would meet in Delhi, Roy
said, "I cannot say right now. Let me go first."
He, however, maintained that Trinamool Congress had
already offered Congress 62 seats, four more than the initial
offer of 58 seats, of the total 294 constituencies.
The state Congress leaders, including WBPCC President
Manas Bhuniya, had suggested the party should seek 98 seats so
that it does not end up becoming an "also-run party" in
Bengal.
"Congress leaders and workers in Bengal want an
alliance to happen. It is not only the question of the
number of seats but the quality of seats that we want", he said.
Banerjee was keen to resolve the matter early since
she wanted to declare her list of candidates "which is ready",
party sources said.
The Left Front is scheduled to declare its list
tomorrow after a party meeting.
West Bengal Assembly elections will be held in six
phases starting April 18.
PTI
