Congress, CPI(M) MLAs voted for us on ideological grounds: Mamata

KOLKATA: Denying that any horse-trading took place in the Rajya Sabha polls today, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said MLAs from Congress and CPI(M) voted for Trinamool candidates on ideological grounds.

"Those who voted for the Trinamool from the other side did so because they didn't like this nexus between Congress and CPI(M). Bengal is a politically mature state. Those who voted for Trinamool candidates did so on ideological grounds," Banerjee told reporters.

When asked about horse-trading she denied and said, "We are a poor party".

On cross-voting, she said, "It is their matter. They have a democratic right. Let them decide. It is their internal matter".

Trinamool's total count in the Rajya Sabha will now be 12, she said while hoping that the new MPs will play a vital role during their tenure.

When asked whether those who cross-voted want to join the TMC, she said, "We will be happy if they join."

On the lone CPI(M) candidate's win, she said, "They do only destructive politics. Let them play a constructive role".