In an exclusive interview to CNN IBN, Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee says that the Congress was winning because of her leadership.
Are you going to be the chief minister or will you do remote control?
Let's seek the ballot, let the people vote first. People will decide; it's the people's choice. I cannot betray the people so I will be with the people. They are voting for me because they love me. It is their choice I cannot betray them. This time they want this. I have to respect the people sometimes.
So you will be the chief minister?
The people will decide, it depends on vote ... if there is a majority of course.
What about the Congress? Do you think it can revive?
They will win the election because they have our full support.
Would you consider leaving the coalition ever if you win in a really big way in Bengal, why would you want to stay with the United Progressive Alliance?
No, I want to stay with the UPA because ... think of the Lok Sabha elections -- we gave our full support to he government. I have no problem working with the United Progressive Alliance-II. I had a problem with UPA-I when the Communist Party of India-Marxist was there. Now in their absence, they will have our full support.
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'Adhir is an internal matter of the Congress'
Image: Congress MP Adhir ChowdhuryWhat is your reaction to people like (Congress MP) Adhir Chowdhury who have put up rebel candidates against you? How do you deal with that?
I don't deal with that because that is Congress' internal matter. I think they have deputed their independent candidate against Congress candidates as well. What I feel bad is that Congress candidates may lose because of that. I cannot interfere in their business. I appeal to all my Congress and Trinamool Congress workers to work together.
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'I maintain best relations with Pranab da'
Image: Mamata Banerjee speaks with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in KolkataPhotographs: Reuters
As we have seen in the central government, running a coalition is not easy. So do you think it's going to be difficult for you to keep this coalition government when you come to power?
I don't think this coalition is disturbing this UPA government. Coalition is giving its full support. In the last two years, I haven't seen any coalition disturbances anywhere
Give me an example if we have caused any disturbance. We can work together, there is no problem.
Pranab Mukherjee is the 'tallest leader' of Bengal. How do you see him?
He is very fatherly, and I maintain the best relations with him. He also wants that the alliance should come to power in West Bengal, and is in the favour of a change.
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