Leaders of some non-BJP and non-Congress parties today suggested formation of a "federal front" at the Centre to challenge the BJP and said they might sit together to discuss such a possibility.
Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee, who took oath as the West Bengal Chief Minister for the second consecutive term, supported the idea saying she would cooperate if such a front was formed by "like-minded parties".
Lalu Prasad, who was here to attend the swearing-in ceremony, told reporters, "It is necessary to defeat the BJP as the party and Sangh Parivar are out to divide the country. There is no 'vikas' (development) under the Modi government."
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He said all "secular and like-minded" parties would have to sit together and discuss the formation of a front against the BJP.
National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah said there was a possibility of formation of a federal front at the Centre.
"There are many like-minded parties and leaders and Mamata Banerjee is one of them," he said, adding "it is a great day for democracy and for the secular fabric of the country".
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, however was non-committal, saying, "We have come here to greet her. It's a great day for all of us and for democracy."
Banerjee, when asked about such a front, said, "I am ready to cooperate if such a front is formed. We have to discuss it with like-minded parties".
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Later, at the state secretariat, when she was asked about
"federal front", Banerjee said it was her idea.
"I am a simple person. I am ready to help. But I myself don't want (to give leadership). I have lot of work to do in the state," she said.
She also said different states have different problems and formation of such a front would help them economically and politically.
