"We Discussed...": Mamata Banerjee On Talks With Ex BJP Ally In Goa
NDTV
Vijay Sardesai - who met Mamata Banerjee to discuss working together - told NDTV talk of a merger, rather than an alliance, was a "fast-forward step"
The Trinamool Congress and the Goa Forward Party (GFP) are in talks - GFP chief Vijay Sardesai met Trinamool boss Mamata Banerjee today - over a deal to fight next year's Assembly election together.
No agreement was announced after Ms Banerjee and Mr Sardesai met, but talks will continue.
"We discussed the matter... let's work together to fight against the BJP. So, it is their (the Goa party's) decision (now)", Ms Banerjee said, adding, "We want to avoid division of votes. Regional and local parties can work together and give a good fight to the BJP."
The Bengal Chief Minister underlined her belief that strong regional parties were key to ensuring that the BJP is defeated - both at the centre and in states - and building a "strong" central government.
