West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata on Friday evening. Following the brief interaction, Banerjee referred to it as a 'protocol' session customary between the Prime Minister and a Chief Minister.
Prime Minister Modi, who embarked on a two-day visit to West Bengal, arrived at the Raj Bhavan late on Friday afternoon after delivering a speech at a public rally in Arambagh, Hooghly district. During his address, he launched a scathing critique against the state government and the ruling Trinamool Congress, touching upon issues such as Sandeshkhali and instances of financial impropriety.
After her meeting with the Prime Minister, Banerjee informed the waiting journalists outside the Raj Bhavan that the encounter was merely a 'protocol' meeting.
"With the Lok Sabha polls' dates yet to be announced, it's customary for a protocol meeting to take place between the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of the respective state during his visit," remarked the Chief Minister. "I briefed the Prime Minister about the state's affairs. It was more of a cordial exchange than a political discourse," she added.
When questioned about whether she raised the matter of pending Central dues owed to the state government through various Centrally-sponsored schemes, Banerjee opted not to comment. "I will address political matters from a political platform. This meeting was simply a courtesy call in line with protocol," she reiterated.
The Prime Minister is set to address a rally in Krishnanagar, Nadia district, on Saturday, followed by another rally in Barasat, North 24 Parganas district, on March 6.
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