Now, Cong under fire 8212; Mamata sees plot8217; to split Trinamool

The Congress, she said, was trying to take over, adding, 8220;but we will not allow it. The Congress even contacted a Trinamool Congress MP to split the party. 8220;But they will not succeed. Our party MPs cannot be purchased,8221; Banerjee told newspersons at her residence.

Daring the Congress to introduce a no-confidence motion against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led ruling coalition in Parliament, she said the BJP and its allies would 8220;unitedly face it and prove that the Vajpayee Government enjoyed a majority. There is nothing to worry8221;. Accusing the Congress of playing the 8220;main game from behind,8221; she asked how the party could demand the prime minister8217;s resignation. 8220;Let them first prove inthe House that the Government has lost its majority,8221; she said.

Stating that the withdrawal of support by the AIADMK was not 8220;a surprising development8221;, Banerjee said Jayalalitha had 8220;betrayed8221; the mandate of the people who had voted for Atal Behari Vajpayee to provide a stable government for a five-year term. 8220;But she cannot fool the people all the time,8221; she said, adding that 8220;blackmailing the government for personal reasons must stop.8221;

8220;The Vajpayee Government should be allowed to continue. We cannot afford to hold an election festival8217; every year. It would also hamper the country8217;s development,8221; she said.

The Trinamool Congress leader said she did not foresee a mid-term poll although she was prepared to face an election. Banerjee, who is leaving for Delhi tomorrow morning, said party chief whip in the Lok Sabha Ajit Kumar Panja would attend the meeting of the BJP and its allies tonight.

The Trinamool Congress had already issued a whip to all its seven MPs to remain in the Lok Sabhaduring the crucial session beginning tomorrow.