Pranab warns of stern action against rebels in Bengal

Sending a tough message to the rebels, senior Congress leadera Pranab Mukherjee today said it was not possible to satisfy all aspirants for party tickets and warned that contesting against official nominees would invite stern action.

While dissidence in the party borne out of dissatisfaction at being denied tickets can be understood, filing nominations as Independents against official nominees cannot be tolerated, Mukherjee said while campaigning in north Bengal.

Similarly, acting against the alliance between his party and the Trinamool Congress would not be brooked, the veteran leader said.

His tough words followed filing of nominations by two sitting Congress MLAs Ram Piyare Ram from Kolkata Port and Abdul Khaleq Mollah from Garden Reach constituencies and their refusal to withdraw their papers.

Asking the rebels not to go against party interest, Mukherjee appealed, "A wonderful opportunity has come before the people to dislodge the Left Front from power after 34 years. The alliance has come about not as a mere poll strategy, but is borne out of people's strong desire. So do not try to queer the pitch."

He said all development projects in north Bengal had been delayed and the government had no moral right to continue in power.