Cong high command calls up Mamata

Trinamool Congress sources said the development followed a "telephone call from the Congress high command to Mamata Banerjee this evening" but did not elaborate further.

"As instructed, I will be going to Delhi (for talk with the Congress leadership)," Trinamool General Secretary Mukul Roy said.

Asked about the leaders he would meet in Delhi, Roy said, "I cannot say right now. Let me go first."

He, however, maintained that Trinamool Congress had already offered Congress 62 seats, four more than the initial offer of 58 seats, of the total 294 constituencies.

The state Congress leaders, including WBPCC President Manas Bhuniya, had suggested the party should seek 98 seats so that it does not end up becoming an "also-run party" in Bengal.

"Congress leaders and workers in Bengal want an alliance to happen. It is not only the question of the number of seats but the quality of seats that we want", he said.

Banerjee was keen to resolve the matter early since she wanted to declare her list of candidates "which is ready", party sources said.