Mamata's talking point

It is no secret that when Mamata Banerjee is around, others dare not speak. That is why she was visibly impatient with Finance, Commerce and Industries Minister Amit Mitra reading the speech for the state Budget. If that was not enough, disturbances by opposition leaders infuriated the chief minister. Even as Mitra was busy reading out the speech in a rather feeble voice, Banerjee interjected in a headmistress-like tone and instructed Mitra to sit down. "I've read rail Budgets, and I know, at times, it is boring and technical. But all of you need to be patient and carefully go through the speech, you will find everything there," said Banerjee, even as Mitra remained unsure whether to remain seated or stand up again.