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Differences with TC on Siliguri polls a local issue: Cong
Downplaying its differences with Trinamool Congress on taking Left support for the Siliguri mayoral elections, Congress said it was a "local" issue and had no ramifications at the state or national level.
Downplaying its differences with Trinamool Congress on taking Left support for the Siliguri mayoral elections, Congress on Friday said it was a "local" issue and had no ramifications at the state or national level.
Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said his party's alliance with TC was "stable and genuine."
"Obviously this is not an ideal situation. There is no doubt a difference (between us in Siliguri). But it is ultimately a very small and local issue," he said adding that the controversy should not be expanded to the state or national level.
Apparently to mollify the TC, he blamed the media for blowing up the matter.
"I don't think, she (Mamata) is expanding it (the controversy) to national or state arena half as much as the media is expanding it. Leave it between us and TC. I can assure you that our alliance otherwise is stable and genuine," he said.
Singhvi at the same time said, "according to us our grievance is genuine because with more seats, we should have got the Mayor's position..."
Congress won 15 of the 47 seats and TC 14, and the Congress candidate for the mayor's post Gangotri Dutta got 32 votes, including 17 from the Left Front, against 15 by the TC aspirant.
