Lalu, Abdullah flag need for front against BJP

Kolkata, May 27: 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."

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".

PTI