The failed alliance with Congress for the May 30 civic polls in West Bengal notwithstanding, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said her party did not want any rift with the United Progressive Alliance government.
"We don't want any rift with the UPA government. We want to remain with our heads held high. That is why we did not bargain for portfolios. We have only one (Railway portfolio)," she told an election rally at Behala.
Banerjee said had her party demanded, it could have got four more portfolios.
"We did not ask for it, but it should not be seen as our weakness. We do not have any lust for ministries. We told (the Congress) you run the central government but don't strenghthen the CPI-M in Bengal. This is our only request. We cannot betray people and cannot bow to the CPI-M and will not do anything to help that party."
Noting that the people's 'mahajot' (grand alliance) would see her party through in the civic elections, she, in an obvious reference to the Congress, said "responsibility for the break up of the alliance rests on the one who broke it.
"Those who broke the alliance for helping the CPI-M, will answer for it." Banerjee said she did not want to hurt anyone and the party has kept its commitment to the people.
"It does not matter what they (Congress) say in a local election." She, however, reiterated that her party was in the UPA government not at the 'mercy' of anyone.
"The government does not belong to any single party. Congress leads it. It does not have 273 seats. It's strength is 206. We are there because CPI(M) is not there and there are many other allies."
Noting that though the Trinamool Congress was in the government, Banerjee said it was against price rise of petrol and diesel, PSU disinvestment, privatisation of insurance and acquisition of agricultural land for industry.
"They may not accept our demands due to their majority, but we will continue to oppose it."
On West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee appealing to BJP voters yesterday not to waste their votes, she said, "It's a pity that he is seeking votes from the BJP. How desperate can CPI-M get?"
"The chief minister who has dubbed me as communal is now seeking votes from the BJP," she said and pointed out that the CPI-M had addressed a public meeting with V P Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee against the Rajiv Gandhi government.
She said the CPI-M was now trying to make overtures to Delhi for managing the situation in the state.
"You can control everybody, but not the Trinamool Congress." She also said there would be a Metro Railway between Joka in the deep south of the metropolis and BBD Bagh and a Rs 200 crore survey work has begun.
It has been sanctioned by the Railway Board, Finance ministry and the Planning Commission.
