Kolkata: In an exclusive interview to NDTV, Mamata Banerjee has said that she would like to fight the state elections in West Bengal next year with the Congress.
Banerjee's statement came hours after her Trinamool Congress (TMC) won the state's civic polls, seen as the semi-final to the 2011 assembly elections. The TMC swept the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, gaining 53 seats to grab 95 of the corporation's 141 seats.
Banerjee, who is an ally of the Congress at the Centre, says, "I was shocked but I didn't say anything" when the Congress decided not to tie up with her for the civic elections. "I thought people will give their judgement," she said.
The results today point out that she doesn't need the Congress for the state elections.
Banerjee, however, said, "I don't say that." She also stressed that "I have very good relations with the all-India Congress leadership". Some local Congress leaders, Banerjee added, were problematic but would not affect her strong bond with the Congress-led UPA government. "I am with the UPA government...and I will continue my relation and full support...there will be no breaking of the alliance with the UPA."