Mamata warns Congress to choose between TMC or Left

Kolkata, May 6 (ANI): Trinamool Congress (TMC) President Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday sent out an ultimatum to Congress party to chose between TMC and Left in West Bengal.

The warning came after AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi told newspersons on Tuesday that the Congress could consider a post-poll alliance with Left parties if they have enough numbers.

Senior Congress leader and the party's media cell chief, Veerappa Moily, however, said: "We won't form any alliance that is against the TMC."

Gandhi on Tuesday said his party would support the Left if they manage to gain 190 seats in the current Parliamentary elections.

He was responding to queries by the media persons who were reacting to his suggestion that the Congress did not rule out a post-poll tie-up with the Left parties. Rahul said that the Congress was always open to post-poll alliances.

Addressing a press conference at the Ashoka Hotel here, Gandhi said, "If Left gets 180-190 seats, we will consider supporting them. I hope they are able to achieve that. If they are able to do that, I will be the first one to say you know what, let's support the Left."

"Ideological differences between Congress and Left persist, but there is lot of meeting ground and reasonable amount of common space," he said.

He also expressed confidence that the Communists would accept Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister.

"Manmohan Singh is the party"""""""s prime ministerial candidate," he said, adding that he was also the allies""""""" choice for the top job.

"He is the best Prime Minister this country can have. Allies are supporting us and have full faith in Dr Singh", he added. (ANI)