Mamata Banerjee and Narendra Modi.
Credit: PTI Photo
Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 20 in Delhi, administrative and party sources said. Incidentally, the proposed meeting comes a day after the anti-BJP block – I.N.D.I.A – members are scheduled to hold an interaction.
Banerjee is set to leave for the capital on Sunday, December 17, for a three-day visit. In her recent public meetings, the Bengal Chief Minister has repeatedly reminded the voters that she has asked for an appointment from the PM.
The chief minister, on more than one occasion, has hinted that in absence of such a meeting the alternative could be a second round of anti-Centre campaign.
In West Bengal, freeze of central funds to the state for carrying out public welfare programmes has topped the list of issues that the TMC has been putting forward before the people.
Speaking at a programme in north Bengal’s Siliguri on Tuesday, Banerjee reminded the people that the Centre has stopped financial support for the 100-day rural job scheme.
Besides, several other schemes, like those for housing, rural roads, and health, have also been affected. “I am going to Delhi with Bengal’s demands, to reclaim Bengal’s rights that have been curtailed. I have asked the PM for his time. Give us our money back… I am going to Delhi to talk about this,” she said.
Last week on Wednesday, Banerjee referred to Union Minister Giriraj Singh’s comments that she should meet the PM on the issue of funds, and had reminded that she has had such meetings thrice.
During Banerjee’s Delhi stay, I.N.D.I.A partners are also expected to meet. Before commencing her nearly week-long visit to north Bengal, the chief minister had also stated that she didn’t have information about the alliance’s meeting that was likely to take place, then, and she had a tour planned. “But we will be meeting shortly, whenever they decide,” she had stated.
In regional politics, the expected meeting of the Trinamool with the prime minister, seemingly, is a dampener for Trinamool’s second anti-Centre protest that was in the wings. Much, however, depends on the meeting taking place, and what percolates out of it.