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| Edited By: Arshad Ali |Source: DNA |Updated: Mar 27, 2019, 05:40 AM IST
West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Somen Mitra tells DNA that Left parties never wanted to seriously ally with Congress, and the reason why it is not contesting some seats is not to keep doors open for talks but due to fear factor. Excerpts:
I don't think retaining seats is a problem. Objective is to increase the number of seats. It will be possible if there is a free and fair election in the state.
Our strategy would be to fight both BJP and TMC, representing intolerance and corruption, in the country as well as the state.
There has been an insurgence in Congress support base across the country in the recent past. It's evident here too... going by numbers flocking Rahulji's rallies.
There will not be any problem for Congress because people have seen the intentions of both parties. Even in 2016, we have seen that the Left never really wanted an alliance. They didn't want joint campaigning. Because of their fickle mindset, the alliance never took off. What do they mean by seat-sharing? Congress wanted a united fight against BJP and TMC... there had been no ambiguity on it.
They have not pitched anyone from there because of Congress. They have left the seats alone because they know Congress will be able to retain their seats unlike them. They want Congress to withdraw from seats like Raiganj. They are not contesting some seats as they are sure of losing from there.
We are not competing with BJP in terms of bringing in senior leaders to campaign. But we have asked AICC and are expecting Rahul to come to Bengal for campaigning.
