Chief minister designate Mamata Banerjee sent her deputy Partha Chatterjee to personally invite former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee to her swearing-in at the Raj Bhavan premises on Friday. By inviting her bête noire to her swearing-in, Ms Banerjee has tried to establish an image as a courteous and gracious leader trying to let go of past animosities. She already met former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee to invite him to the ceremony.
Mr Bhattacharjee was at first undecided on what to do, but he has now decided to attend. Left Front chairman Biman Bose will also be present along with some ministers of the outgoing government.
Mr Partha Chatterjee told reporters that he had gone to Mr Bhattacharjee’s Palm Avenue residence Thursday morning after Ms Banerjee decided on this on Wednesday night. The state government had earlier sent the outgoing CM an invitation card.
Arriving at Mr Bhatta-charjee’s ground floor flat, he was taken straight to the CM’s bedroom. “Mr Bhattacharjee, sitting on the bed, and was surprised to see Mr Chatterjee,” sources said. Mr Chatterjee handed over the invitation card and requested him to attend the swearing-in ceremony. In turn, the CM responded: “Okay”.
Then Mr Chatterjee “advised” Mr Bhattacharjee to reduce his cigarette intake. Mr Bhattacharjee, a chain smoker, said in reply: “I will have to smoke”.
Before leaving, Mr Chatterjee asked: “Will you come tomorrow?” To this, Mr Bhattacharjee said: “I heard what you said.”