CPI-M trying to create rift between Congress, Trinamool: Mamata

Kolkata, June 29 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday accused the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) of trying to cause a rift between her Trinamool Congress and the Congress, which are allies in the central and state governments.

Banerjee's comments came against the backdrop of tension between her party and the Congress - partners in the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) - on a host of issues, including the presidential poll.

Banerjee has so far firmly opposed the candidature of UPA's presidential nominee Pranab Mukherjee, to whom the CPI-M has extended support.

Replying to the debate in the state assembly on the budgetary grants for the home department, Banerjee cautioned her members, saying: "It was a strategy of the CPI-M to cause bitterness between the Trinamool and the Congress."

The Trinamool members were then on their toes following repeated interruptions and sarcastic comments on the part of the CPI-M members.

"Please remain silent. They will try to provoke you. Don't fall in their trap," Banerjee said.

Banerjee got agitated when her comment on spiralling prices prompted a CPI-M member to ask what the Trinamool was doing on the issue as it was a partner in the UPA government.

"They are your friends. Go and ask them," retorted Banerjee, in an obvious reference to CPI-M's support to Mukherjee.

As the Trinamool and CPI-M members traded charges, Banerjee tried to pacify her members. But as they continued shouting, the chief minister warned that she would ask Parliamentary Affairs Minister Partha Chatterjee to take action against them.