PMO says ‘no’ to Bengal proposal for Modi-Mamata assembly this weekend

Express News Service

KOLKATA:  The PMO has declined a proposal by West Bengal authorities that sought a gathering of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with Prime Minister Narendra Modi throughout the former’s two-day go to to the nationwide capital.  Mamata landed in New Delhi on Friday night to attend a convention of chief ministers and judges scheduled on Saturday.

Even although the Bengal CM was all set to debate a slew of points starting from the state’s dues from the Centre to the usage of businesses like CBI and ED in opposition to Trinamool Congress leaders with the PM, the South Block informed the state authorities that the assembly wouldn’t be potential due to Modi’s “tight schedule”.

The PMO’s pink sign got here amid Mamata hitting out at Modi on the problem of states charging VAT on gas worth. The PM, in a digital assembly with chief minister to debate the Covid-19 scenario, had requested the opposition-led states to cut back VAT on gas.

The TMC management stated they have been trying ahead to the assembly of Mamata and Modi. “In the virtual meet, the CM didn’t get any chance to express her opinion. There were several issues needed to be discussed with the PM face-to-face, especially Centre using its agencies against our leaders,” stated a senior TMC chief.

Referring to her Delhi go to, Mamata on Thursday stated, “This time, I don’t have any meeting with the Prime Minister.” Sources within the state authorities stated the CM made the assertion after there was no inexperienced sign from the PMO confirming her assembly with the PM. Mamata, nevertheless, didn’t specify it.  
Hours after Mamata’s arrival in Delhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met her, their first assembly after the latest Assembly polls in 5 states. “It was a courtesy call,” TMC leaders stated.