Kolkata: The Congress, Left Front, and CPI-ML (Liberation) on Sunday outrightly rejected Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee’s all for a united anti-BJP front in West Bengal and nationally.
The responses followed Banerjee’s video message on Saturday, issued after the BJP’s victory in the Bengal Assembly elections and the oath-taking of Suvendu Adhikari as chief minister. She invited anti-BJP forces, including national and Left parties, to collaborate.
Left Rules Out TMC Partnership
CPI(M) state secretary Md. Salim rejected cooperation with Trinamool Congress. “Absolutely not. We will not accept anyone identified as criminal, extortionist, corrupt and communal. We will stand by people and the marginal population,” Salim said, according to party statements.
CPI state secretary Swapan Banerjee also dismissed the idea. “The question of joining forces with Banerjee doesn’t arise. Democracy was in peril during her regime…” he said.
Congress Questions ‘Ultra-Left’ Term
Congress reacted to Banerjee’s use of “ultra-Leftists.” State spokesperson Soumya Aich Roy commented: “We can’t believe our ears. You (Banerjee) invited national parties, indicating the Congress, Left and the ultra-Left to join you. What do you mean by ultra-Left? Do you mean the Maoists, who killed 18 Congress leaders and workers in Chhattisgarh on May 25, 2013?”
The remark referred to the 2013 Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh.
Mamata’s Unity Appeal
In her Saturday video, Banerjee urged unity. “I urge all opposition parties in Bengal, student organisations and NGOs to unite against the BJP. A united platform can be formed with all political parties opposing the BJP,” the TMC chief said.
“Along with the national parties, I urge the Leftists and the ultra-Leftists to unite in Bengal as well as in Delhi. If any political party wants to speak to me, I am available. It must be remembered that our first enemy is the BJP,” she added.
