Kolkata, Apr 25 : Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that if asked, he would refuse to take up the Prime Ministership as he does not have adequate "experience" to hold the post right now.

Addressing a press conference here along with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, the 39-year-old leader said, "Now ... I would refuse. I do not think I have the experience to be the Prime Minister of the country right now."

Kolkata, Apr 24 : Congress leader and Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma on Friday said that India wanted protection and safe passage only for civilian Tamils in Sri Lanka and not the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Sharma further said that while it was imperative that the Sri Lankan government paid heed to India's request regarding the safety of civilians, it was also important for the LTTE to allow safe passage to civilians.

Kolkata, Apr 24 : Suspected Maoists have shot dead two local CPI (M) leaders at Supurdih village in Balarampur area, about 40 from Purulia in West Bengal, on Thursday night.

Both identified as Bibhuti Singh Sardar and Baikuntha Mahato. The incident took place when both were retuning from fair and some motorcycle-borne persons shot at them.

According to the police, both died on the spot.

A 12-hour shutdown has been called by the CPI (M) in protest against the incident in Balarampur on Friday.

Kolkata, Apr. 22: Trinamul Congress leader Mamata Banerjee filed her nomination for the South Kolkata parliamentary constituency on Wednesday.

Her main CPI (M) opponent, Rabin Deb also filed his nomination today.

Banerjee declared total assets of Rs. 4, 73, 193.56, including Rs. 28322 in cash and three bank deposits of Rs. 74, 589.85, Rs. 29,

Kolkata, Apr. 21 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday urged the people to vote for her party to form a BSP Government at the Centre.

"The BSP is contesting in almost every seats. The party did not make any electoral tie up with any party. Now, people can vote for the BSP candidates," Mayawati said while addressing an election rally here.

Kolkata, Apr. 20: In a move to could indicate future Trinamool Congress alliance with Congress, party chief Mamata Banerjee and Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee and Trinamool Congress have shared a platform for the first time.

Addressing an election rally Dinajpur region of West Bengal, both the leaders harshly criticized ruling left parties.