Outcome of alliance talks between CPI(M), Congress likely next week

A CPI(M) politburo member said that consultations were being held in a cordial and positive atmosphere

With Congress and CPI(M) yet to formally announce a tie-up for the West Bengal Assembly poll, the final outcome of the discussions for an alliance is likely to be clear by next week.

"Consultations are being held in a cordial and positive atmosphere. And the discussions are being held in a positive atmosphere. We hope to have a final outcome soon. Sooner the better," said CPI(M) politburo member Mohammed Salim.

A senior Congress leader, who is privy to the development, told PTI on condition of anonymity, "We are hopeful that we can have a positive and final outcome by next week. We are having consultations on a regular basis. And those consultations are being held in positive and flexible atmosphere."

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According to another Congress leader, the party has placed a demand for 100 seats out of the total 294 seats in the state Assembly.

"Initially the CPI(M) was willing to give us 75 seats, 10 more seats than what TMC had given us 2011. But we have placed a demand of near about 100 seats, of which most of them are in North Bengal. Let's see what happens," said the Congress leader.