‘I can’t join’

The top leaders of the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc are scheduled to convene in New Delhi on June 1 to assess their performance in the recently held Lok Sabha elections and strategize for the future.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, a prominent figure in the opposition bloc, is set to convene the meeting, which will coincide with last phase of polling on June 1.

However, Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee said that she can't join the meeting as voting is scheduled for nine seats in West Bengal on the same day.

Mamata Banerjee said, "The INDIA team is holding a meeting on June 1. I have told them I can't join as we have election on 9 seats in West Bengal on the same day. Punjab, Bihar & UP also have elections on June 1. On one side is the cyclone, and on the other side, it is elections... Cyclone relief is my priority right now."

Few days back, Mamata said her party would provide "outside support" to the opposition alliance in case it manages to form a government at the centre.

"We (TMC) will support the INDIA bloc from outside to form a government at the centre. We will extend our support so that in Bengal, our mothers and sisters never face a problem... and those who work in the 100 days' job scheme, also do not face problems," she said.