TMC mocks Rahul remarks, says people want viable alternative

TMC MP Saugata Roy today said people would vote for a viable alternative other than the Congress and the BJP

Mocking Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's statement on providing more subsidised LPG cylinders, Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy today said people would vote for a viable alternative other than the Congress and the BJP in the next Lok Sabha elections.

"When we walked out of the UPA in 2012 protesting against less number of subsidised cylinders, they (Congress) didn't pay any heed to it. But after losing Assembly elections in four states they have realised it. Their realisation came after losing," Roy said.

Rahul Gandhi, who is heading the Congress's campaign team, had demanded on Friday during an AICC session that the number of subsidised LPG cylinders should be increased.

"Congress and BJP are two sides of the same coin. In the next Lok Sabha elections, people will vote for a viable alternative. It has already happened in the Delhi Assembly elections. We feel the prospects of a federal front are very bright in the next general elections," he said.

The issue of an anti-Congress, anti-BJP federal front was tossed up by West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool chairperson Mamata Banerjee after her party walked out of the UPA government over the decision to allow FDI in retail trade.

Roy also said Trinamool would maintain equi-distance from both the Congress and the BJP.

"TMC will maintain equi-distance from the BJP and the Congress. The common man's basic demand is 'roti-kapda-makan' (food-clothes-housing). Neither the BJP nor the Congress can provide it to the common man," Roy added.