“Discussed Development, Not Politics”: Mamata After Meeting PM

Bengal CM Mamata’s meeting with Modi came amid efforts by Congress to choose a joint-candidate for Presidency.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. (Photo: Reuters)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said she discussed "development and not politics" at a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

The Trinamool Congress chief's meeting with Modi came amid efforts by opposition leaders to choose a consensus candidate for the coming presidential polls. The ruling National Democratic Alliance is yet to announce its presidential candidate.

“This was not a political meeting, (but an) absolutely development oriented meeting. I have taken up several issues with the prime minister,” Banerjee told reporters, describing it as a “customary” meeting between the state government and the Centre.

Banerjee, who was a bitter critic of Modi's demonetisation drive, said she discussed a range of issues related to soil erosion caused by the Ganga in West Bengal and restructuring of the state's debt.

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Issues such as the Farakka barrage, the heavy export duty imposed by Bangladesh on mangoes from West Bengal and the construction of a dam over the Atrai River by Bangladesh were also discussed.

She also demanded a restructuring of the central government's loan to the state, which has been reeling under financial problems.

“I have to pay Rs 40,000 crore. How do we work in such a scenario,” she said outside South Block, where the prime minister’s office is situated, after the meeting.

Banerjee also demanded that India take up with Bangladesh the issues of heavy export duty on West Bengal mangoes and the Atrai dam construction, which had led to a water shortage in the state's West Midnapore district.

NDTV reported that prior to her meeting, she said that it was for prime minister to understand the need for consensus.

The President is the custodian of the Constitution and it will be very good for the entire country if we have a consensus candidate much like APJ Abdul Kalam.

Mamata Banerjee to <i>NDTV</i>

While there is no official confirmation, it is suggested that the new Mamata Banerjee formula for electing the President will be discussed at the lunch-meeting at Sonia Gandhi’s house. The lunch meeting which is expected to be attended by top leaders from opposition parties is organised as a “symbol of opposition unity,” the same day Modi government completes three years in office.

Also Read: You Are the Biggest Thieves: Mamata to Modi Govt on Demonetisation