On a day when former president A P J Abdul Kalam pulled out of the presidential race, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) softened its stand towards the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), saying it did not want to topple the central government.
TMC, however, warned its members would quit the UPA government if the Congress felt it was a burden to the alliance.
TMC, the second largest party in the UPA after the Congress, had launched an all-out battle against the ruling alliance after the Congress fielded finance minister Pranab Mukherjee as its presidential nominee despite Banerjee’s opposition.
TMC leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay on Friday said: “We don’t want to topple the government. Trinamool Congress is still a vital part of the central government, and there is nothing to worry about it so far. But if the Congress feels that the party is a burden to the alliance, we are mentally prepared to resign.”
However, he added the party would try to persuade Kalam to review his decision. “We still believe Kalam is the best candidate and will try to persuade him to contest in the coming days. Our party members will again sit together and decide on our stand after the final date of submitting the candidature,” he added.
Rejecting the candidature of Mukherjee, Banerjee had started campaigning for Kalam on Facebook. Thanking netizens for their support, the TMC supremo said:“I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart, all my brothers and sisters, for your spontaneous and positive response for the great cause.”
However, a post on her Facebook page attacked political parties and leaders. “There is a lack of faith of the common people in political entities, who partake in rampant corruption and underhand dealings. Some self-seeking politicians have discarded all ethics and thereby have alienated themselves from the people.”
Earlier in the day, Kalam said: “I have considered the totality of the matter and the present political situation, and decided not to contest the presidential election 2012.” While the battle became murkier with the launch of a war of words between members of both the parties, there were speculation continued that Banerjee might walk out of UPA.
