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At the outset of allegations by the opposition that Mamata Banerjee has traded off Trinamool Congress' support in Parliament to government's key bill for pause on Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) activism on Saradha scam, West Bengal chief minister will be at the airport tomorrow to to receive Modi.
Mamata Banerjee, who has cut short her district tour to attend Modi, will hold a meeting with him and also be present for the two programmes that the PM is scheduled to attend on May 9 and 10. Mamata Banerjee had sought time for an one-on-meeting meeting with Modi and accordingly, Prime Minister will meet Banerjee between 8:05 to 8:35 pm at Raj Bhavan on May 9, where he will put up.
Modi will announce the government's mega scheme on social security insurance and pension, on the lines of the Jan Dhan Yojana, in Kolkata on May 9. On May 10, Modi will attend a function at IISCO in Burnpur, near Kolkata. On both occasions, Prime Minister will be accompanied by chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who hitherto was reluctant to meet Modi on most of the occasions.
This sudden change of approach to Mamata coupled with simultaneous pause on CBI activism on Saradha scam, has led to opposition's accusation of “a deal”.
"Is this a drama? BJP is saying ghar wapasi. Trinamool from its birth was with the BJP. Didi is now going for 'ghar wapasi'. This is evident Mamata is supporting all the bills of government, and in return BJP has ensured investigation is stalled in Saradha." CPI-M leader Md Selim said.
"The Centre had invited her (Mamata) on a number of occasions to share her views on a variety of issues, but she was the only CM who never went to Delhi then. After the CBI sought their (TMC's) account details, she suddenly rushed to Delhi and met the prime minister. Since then there has been no progress in Saradha investigation,” he added.
West Bengal chief minister, however, hit back saying, “When I don’t meet the PM, media says I am always fighting. When I meet him, they say we have a deal. I will meet the PM during his visit. It is my constitutional duty, which I have to perform. I am in favour of making the federal structure of India stronger.”
Also, Banerjee has indicated that she would take issues concerning state finances with Prime Minister. There has been a substantial cut in central assistance in several schemes meant for the poor. I don't know what other states are doing. I will take up the issue with the PM," Mamata said addressing newly elected councillors recently.
