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1st LD Writethru: Indian Congress leader calls for coalition with leftwing parties in eastern state

Xinhua, April 2, 2016 Adjust font size:

India's opposition Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi Saturday called for setting up a coalition government with leftwing parties in West Bengal as the eastern state is to hold a local election.

At a joint election rally in Kolkata with Left Front leaders, Gandhi said Congress members should go to the field together with leftwing parties to win the local election.

Gandhi also criticized the incumbent government of West Bengal led by chief minister Mamata Banerjee for going back on its promises made five years ago.

The West Bengal was ruled for over three decades by leftwing parties until 2011, when the Trinamool Congress led by Banerjee came into power.

The local election is also considered a crucial test for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, two years after coming to power to the central government in Delhi. Endit