TNN, New Delhi :
With estimates pointing to momentum for Narendra Modi but not fully settling the question whether he’ll be able to propel the NDA to a majority, political circles are abuzz with speculation about an understanding between BJP and Mamata Banerjee’s TMC.
Political sources said there was a strong possibility that Mamata will agree to extend outside support to a Modi-led government in exchange for a generous financial package aimed primarily at easing
West Bengal’s debt burden. “For her, 2016 is the big election (to the state assembly). She needs a blockbuster package to help revive Bengal’s economy. Congress strung her along for years; it didn’t deliver,” said a person who did not wish to be identified.
TMC’s internal estimates place its Lok Sabha tally at 25 to 30, which could give it the single largest block of seats after the BJP and Congress.
But sources emphasized that there was no question of TMC formally joining the government. “She’s not in any hurry to install ministers in Delhi. More importantly, she has to keep Modi at arm’s length distance because of the 25% Muslim vote in Bengal. It’s a constituency she has assiduously courted; she cannot afford to lose its support by signing a formal agreement,” said a political operative in the know.
With estimates pointing to momentum for Narendra Modi but not fully settling the question whether he’ll be able to propel the NDA to a majority, political circles are abuzz with speculation about an understanding between BJP and Mamata Banerjee’s TMC.
Political sources said there was a strong possibility that Mamata will agree to extend outside support to a Modi-led government in exchange for a generous financial package aimed primarily at easing
West Bengal’s debt burden. “For her, 2016 is the big election (to the state assembly). She needs a blockbuster package to help revive Bengal’s economy. Congress strung her along for years; it didn’t deliver,” said a person who did not wish to be identified.
TMC’s internal estimates place its Lok Sabha tally at 25 to 30, which could give it the single largest block of seats after the BJP and Congress.
But sources emphasized that there was no question of TMC formally joining the government. “She’s not in any hurry to install ministers in Delhi. More importantly, she has to keep Modi at arm’s length distance because of the 25% Muslim vote in Bengal. It’s a constituency she has assiduously courted; she cannot afford to lose its support by signing a formal agreement,” said a political operative in the know.
