Bitter war of words between TMC and Congress

Possibility of reconciliation seems bleakas both sides trade charges

A bitter war of words ensued between the Congress and the disgruntled Trinamool Congress, with any possibility of a reconciliation seeming bleak. While announcing her pullout from the UPA coalition, Banerjee had yesterday lobbed a ball into the Congress’ court insisting that arrogant Congress had made no attempts to reach out to her. Attempting to set the record straight, the Congress uncharacteristically came out with its official statement, which soon led to a volley of charges and counter charges.  

The Congress media chairperson Janardan Dwivedi, spelled out the party’s stance to reporters clarifying that despite attempts by the Congress and the PMO to contact TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, she did not respond. This had been reiterated by Finance minister P Chidambaram also, as he stepped out of the Congress Core committee this morning.

Dwivedi said, “Mamata ji has put forward certain demands and there will be talks with her. Meanwhile, Mamata ji sent a message that she wanted to speak to the Congress President Sonia Gandhi. But she (Banerjee) could not be contacted. Thereafter Mukul Roy was given a message that Sonia Gandhi wanted to talk to Banerjee. The PMO also tried but she still could not be contacted.”  Dwivedi added that this issue had also been discussed at the Core committee this morning.

The Congress made clear that after withdrawing support Banerjee had expressed a desire to talk to the Congress President.

An incensed Banerjee, addressing the press in Kolkata outrightly refuted these statements lashing out the Congress and its ministers alleging that it was a “distortion of facts” and no attempt had been made to contact her. Banerjee warned the Congress “to not attempt to spread disinformation, They must communicate reality.”

Cabinet minister Mukul Roy in turn, also refuted the Congress claims and said that he had never been contacted.

Banerjee said that she had earlier too told the media that four days ago, she had spoken to the Congress President and told her to resolve these issues and ensure that the coalition does not fall apart. Banerjee had yesterday made clear that they had waited for the Centre to get in touch with them till the last minute but no call came from New Delhi.