West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, a day ahead of Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s invite to Opposition leaders to discuss a joint candidate for the presidential poll.

Significantly, she had sought an appointment with Modi at a short notice, which was granted by the prime minister, leading to speculation in political circles. Mamata said she talked about developmental issues and stressed they did not discuss the upcoming presidential election.

However, Mamata’s aides said the chief minister went to meet Modi to “explore and understand” the NDA’s preference, which will be made public only after the Election Commission announces the presidential election process.

Interestingly, Mamata’s talks with Modi came against the backdrop of the BJP stepping up protests against her government in the state. Several TMC leaders are under the CBI scanner for their role in the Sarada and Narada scams.

In fact, when the meeting was under way, hundreds of BJP workers clashed with the police during their march to the Kolkata Police headquarters. They were demanding the arrest of “corrupt” TMC
leaders.

The police had to use tear gas shells, water canons and baton charge to disperse them. Some TMC leaders said Mamata, who has been very critical of Modi, was not too happy with the Congress top brass’ willingness to go with the proposals of CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury. She was also upset with the Congress’ plan to back Yechury’s re-election to the Rajya Sabha.

“This was not a political meeting, absolutely development-oriented meeting. I have taken up several issues with the prime minister,” she said.

Pranab not to give it another shot

Amid some Opposition parties pitching for a second term for Pranab Mukherjee, the President on Thursday gave broad hints that he is winding up his innings in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, reports DHNS from New Delhi.

Mukherjee’s remarks came at a farewell meeting organised for the President’s press secretary, Venu Rajamony, who has been appointed as the ambassador to The Netherlands.

“Today is May 25, and exactly two months from now, on July 25, a new President will assume office. Officers who have worked with me are being sent back to their ministries,” Mukherjee said.

When asked about his future plans, he remarked, “I will let you know.” Recalling his election to the top post, he said, “Being active in politics for years, I had wondered whether I would be able to fit into the strictly Constitutional role.”

Mamata meets PM ahead of Sonia's conclave