Wednesday, January 11 2006 19:25 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kolkata: The fledging 12-party front comprising political parties with differing ideologies led by the Trinamool Congress today (Jan 11, 2006) announced a Common Minimum Agenda (CMA) prior to the ensuing assembly elections in West Bengal, keeping the door open for the Congress to join.

Ruling out an informal alliance with the Congress, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee told a crowded press conference here that there was still scope for a one-to-one fight in the elections to defeat the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)-led Left Front.

"Now it is up to them (Congress) to decide if they will join this Front or not. If they come, we will welcome them. But it should be a transparent move and not done covertly," she added.

The Trinamool-led platform, 'Pashimbanga Ganatantrik Front', formed recently, comprises BJP, JD(U), NCP, UCPI, Pragatishil Ganatantrik Manch, Soshit Samaj Party, Janata Yuva Front, Islamic Communist party and Ganatangtrik Bahujan Party.

The significant features of the CMA, released by the TC chief, were emphasis on the reservation in jobs and education for the SC, ST, minorities and economically backward classes.

This was the first such programme released by any front or party with the elections a few months away.

To a question, Banerjee said that there would be seat sharing in the event of a 'grand alliance' of anti-CPI(M) parties.

"We will wait for sometime (for the Congress) to join the Trinamool-led Front. But if the election date is announced, we will not wait any longer," she said.

To another question, the Trinamool supremo did not rule out her contesting the assembly elections, but said the Paschimbanga Ganatantrik Front would decide on it.

"I will have to work for all the 294 seats and is it not better to arrive at a decision after having discussions with all?'' she asked.