TMC MPs seek moratorium on Bengal loan

Members of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) today met Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and reiterated their demand for a moratorium on loan payment for West Bengal.

TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to visit Delhi on May 5. On Saturday, Banerjee had given a 15-day ultimatum to the government for accepting the state’s demand for a three-year interest moratorium.

According to sources the Centre is working on a package for West Bengal, as apart from other considerations, the TMC’s support would be crucial for the success of the United Progressive Alliance’s candidate in the coming presidential polls.

 

Banerjee has said the central debt burden of Rs 2 lakh crore was a legacy she had inherited from the Left Front government. The TMC has said it couldn’t afford to pay Rs 22,000 crore of interest, and has sought a moratorium on this.