The coordination committee of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC) held a 45-minute meeting under the leadership of WBPCC president and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and AICC leader Mohsina Kidwai on Saturday. After the meeting, the party announced it had launched the process for forging an electoral alliance with the Trinamool Congress.

“We have already initiated the process for striking an electoral agreement with the party. However, she must ensure that she will remain with us. Then only the question of seat-sharing comes,” said a senior WBPCC leader.

The talks of an alliance are in the air for about a month, though affected by various ups and downs, statements and counter-statements. It recently received a shot in the arm after Congress withdrew its candidate for by-elections in Bishnupur West in favour of the Trinamool.

WBPCC working-president Pradip Bhattacharjee said the discussions with Trinamool leadership were on and the minutes of the meeting will be sent to the AICC leadership in Delhi.

“We want an alliance with the Trinamool and expect that it maintains its secular character by not forging any post-poll adjustment with the NDA,” he said.

Regarding withdrawing of the Congress candidate at the Bishnupur West Assembly segment in favour of Trinamool, he said, “This is our positive gesture towards Trinamool Congress. They should reciprocate now.”