TMC pulls out of UPA, ministers to resign on Friday

Trinamool Congress, a major partner in the ruling United Progressive Alliance at the centre, today announced withdrawal of support to the Congress-led alliance after the 72-hour deadline to roll-back the government's decision to allow foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail trading and raise fuel prices ended on Monday.

Party chief Mamata Banerjee announced the decision after two rounds of talks with party colleagues in Kolkota today. She, however, gave the government time till Friday to change the course.

On Monday, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and other senior party leaders had made an attempt to persuade Mamata Banerjee as the 72-hour deadline set for rollback of diesel price hike, LPG subsidy cap and FDI in retail ended.

"We are withdrawing our support. Our ministers will go to Delhi, meet the prime minister and tender their resignations at 3 PM," Mamata Banerjee said after the meeting.

"The government has lost their credentials. If they cannot keep their friendship with us, they cannot keep it with anyone," Banerjee said.

Banerjee also accused the Congress of failure to consult allies and take them into confidence before announcing major policy changes.