Deeply embarrassed by railway minister Mamata Banerjee’s pro-Maoist speech in Lalgarh on August 9, the UPA government has sought an explanation from her. Sources said that parliamentary affairs minister Pawan Bansal has spoken to Ms Banerjee over the phone requesting her to make a statement in Parliament over her speech in Lalgarh rally. Union finance minister Pranab Mukherjee is also likely to call on Ms Banerjee at her Kalighat home on Saturday.
“He is concerned about her health and is coming to see her. Pranabda had sent her flowers and a message wishing her speedy recovery on Wednesday,” a close Pranab aide said. Inquiring about her health may be the ostensible reason, but the real purpose of Mr Mukherjee’s proposed visit is to persuade her to send a written statement to Parliament after the government is feeling the Opposition heat over her remarks about Maoist leader Azad.
Meanwhile, the Trinamul Congress on Friday hit the streets protesting the CPI(M)’s conspiracy to eliminate Ms Banerjee. The Trinamul Congress has made “attempt on Mamata’s life” into a major political issue.
The CPI(M), however, scoffs at these charges. “The truck did not even hit her vehicle then how could it be an attempt on her life. The people travelling in the vehicle which was hit by the truck were not even grievously injured. Then how could Ms Banerjee suffer injuries who was in another car?” asked CPI(M) state committee leader Mohammed Salim.
***
BJP asks Centre to come clean
AGE CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI
Aug. 13: The BJP on Friday asked the government to come clean on railway minister Mamata Banerjee’s reported open support to Maoists at a rally in Lalgarh in West Bengal.
BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy said that though finance minister Pranab Mukerjee’s reported move to seek a clarification from Ms Banerjee was “desirable”, there was a need for the government to come clean on the matter.