Hope Nitish Kumar and Mamata Banerjee remain within INDIA bloc: Congress

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on January 27 said that he was hopeful of Mamata Banerjee and Nitish Kumar remaining within the INDIA bloc amidst reports of Nitish Kumar joining the BJP in Bihar.

Speaking to reporters about the Bihar political crisis, he said that the "situation is tense but under control", and that it is not good for the image of the INDIA alliance.

He further said that Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge made several attempts to speak with Kumar, but no conversation could be held as both of them were very busy.

“There will be a time…they have called back but no conversation could be held between them so far…this happens sometimes," Ramesh said.

The comments come at a time when Congress is trying hard to hold the alliance together amidst West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee going solo for Lok sabha elections, and reports of Kumar ditching the Mahagathbandhan alliance in Bihar.

Meanwhile, Congress president said that he would speak to Kumar only after getting proper information.

"Those interested in saving democracy will not change their minds and will stay with us," said Kharge, adding that he would have full information once he reaches Delhi.

"I wrote a letter and tried to talk with them... What they have in mind is not clear. I am travelling to Dehradun tomorrow, then move to Delhi. I will get full information. Otherwise, it creates confusion. Let us see what will happen. We don't know...if they are approaching Governor," Kharge told reporters in Karnataka's Kalaburagi, reports ANI news agency.

(With inputs from agencies)