Siliguri, June 11 -- Escalating the political heat in West Bengal, state minister Nisith Pramanik on Thursday launched a scathing critique of both the TMC and Congress, accusing them of operating on a foundation of "nepotism and appeasement."

Speaking to ANI, the minister said, "Earlier, Congress and Trinamool Congress were the same. Their ideology is alike. Both also follow the politics of appeasement and nepotism."

He further alleged that the TMC leadership is in a state of desperation. Pramanik alleged that Mamata Banerjee is attempting to secure her own political survival by seeking an alliance with the Congress.

"Trinamool Congress is finished now. Mamata Didi is trying to somehow save herself by holding on to Congress. The people...