Kolkata: Union Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamta Banerjee today (Dec 28, 2003) said that her party would contest next Lok Sabha elections remaining in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), even as veteran Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee hinted that his party was not averse to have a tie-up with TC if it came out of the ruling alliance at the Centre.

Interacting with the press for the first time after her arrival in Kolkata from New Delhi, Banerjee said, ''We are in NDA and we will contest the election remaining within the ruling coalition.''

Banerjee said even if Lok Sabha poll was advanced, her party would be ready to face it. ''Whatever decision is taken by the NDA in this regard, our party will support it,'' she said.

''We do not have any objection in early election, but it should be free and fair in West Bengal,'' the TC chief said replying to a question.

Meanwhile, State Congress chief Pranab Mukherjee indicated that his party was not averse to go with TC in the next Lok Sabha election provided TC snapped ties with the NDA.

''NDA is our main rival and TC being a part of NDA is also our opponent. How can we go with TC if it remained in the NDA,'' Mukherjee asked.

Mukherjee, who in his report to Congress president Sonia Gandhi suggested alliance with like-minded parties in the next Lok Sabha election, ruled out any understanding with the Communist Party of India - Marxist (CPM).