Don't need Congress anymore: Mamata

Terming the tie-up between the Congress and the CPI-M as a "blunder", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday rejected any possibilities of an alliance with the Congress after the assembly polls, saying the party's leaders from Delhi used "filthy" language against her.

"I don't need them (even after the polls). They are using filthy language... all leaders from Delhi. I never criticised even (late former prime minister) Rajiv Gandhi's family but this time, they all criticised (me). Who am I to forgive (them)? It is the people. But I am not going with them," Banerjee told a TV channel when asked about the possibilities of a tie-up if the Congress wants to join her.

The Trinamool Congress supremo also said the Congress and the CPI-M have "blundered" by going for an alliance.

"In Kerala, the Congress is fighting against the CPI-M, and here in Bengal, they have the adjustment. They have lost credibility and so they have to catch hold of a political party.

"The Congress can't go it alone in any state. I don't know why they (CPI-M) allowed... it is their greatest blunder and they will be finished for that. The Left Front has no existence and after the polls, they will disintegrate," she said, when asked if she was surprised by the CPI-M-Congress alliance.

She reiterated there was "an understanding between the CPI-M, Congress and BJP" and they were creating "nuisance" because the opposition knows they can't win in Bengal.

She also said the BJP doesn't know who are its friends.

"The BJP is quarrelling with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, they are quarrelling with me. They do not know who their friends are," she said.

Quizzed on whether she would like to help Kejriwal in Punjab, Banerjee affirmed: "I want to help him."

On Prime Minister Narendra Modi nearly completing two years in office, she said: "Modi is nothing, only empty words. Silence is golden in this regard."

She said the Opposition was using "bad and filthy" language.

On the Narada scam, Banerjee claimed everyone in her party was "honest" and the BJP, Congress and CPI-M "gave money for this scam" to further the agenda that the Trinamool was corrupt.

"That's absolutely wrong (that her party is not honest). It is a propaganda by the BJP, the CPI-M and the Congress. They are saying it to malign me. Everyone in my party is honest.

"That is the BJP and Congress's tactic (release timing of Narada tapes). Why were disclosures made after announcements of candidates? Leaders will get justice... the matter is under investigation," she said on the timing of the release of the tapes.

--IANS

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