Cong rejects TMC proposal for bypoll pact

Mamata Banerjee

NEW DELHI: An attempt by the Mamata Banerjee faction of TMC to hammer out an alliance with Congress for upcoming bypolls in Bengal did not materialise after the latter insisted on going it alone, reports Subodh Ghildiyal.Trinamool's decision to announce candidates in Nandigram and Rejinagar Monday came well after Congress had named its nominees.But it is learnt that TMC had reached out to Congress with an offer for coordination in the bypolls. The offer was that Congress should contest Nandigram while Trinamool would contest in Rejinagar.However, sources said Bengal Congress did not agree to the proposal as it is looking to rebuild its base in the state and a tie-up now would neutralise this process.