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Mamata meets Modi, urges PM to convene all-party meet over Pegasus row

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid her visit to the national capital. She has also urged the PM to convene an all-party meeting on the Pegasus snooping row.

Mamata meets Modi
Mamata meets Modi

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Published : Jul 27, 2021, 5:50 PM IST

Updated : Jul 27, 2021, 7:25 PM IST

New Delhi:West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during her visit to the national capital. Banerjee termed it as a courtesy visit while speaking to media after the meeting at PM's residence in Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi.

“This was a courtesy visit. It is a tradition to meet the Prime Minister and the President after the elections. This is a matter of courtesy. But still, I discussed the COVID-19 vaccine crisis with him. I requested the Prime Minister to ensure that all are vaccinated before the third wave of COVID-19. I also discussed with him the issue of changing West Bengal’s name,” said Banerjee. She also said that PM has assured her of reviewing the entire situation. However, she refused to make any further comments about the discussions that took place during the meeting.

She has also urged the PM to convene an all-party meeting on the Pegasus snooping row. "There should be a Supreme Court-monitored probe in this matter," she said. On the proposed anti-BJP national political front headed by her, she said "opposition unity will take shape on its own."

Speaking on the occasion, she also regretted the missed opportunity of meeting the President, Ramnath Kovind. “RT-PCR test is mandatory for meeting the President. I have already received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. But I do not know where to do the RT-PCR test now. So I could not meet him this time. I will surely meet her next time,” she said.

She is also scheduled to meet Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. Earlier, on Tuesday noon, Banerjee had a meeting with Congress veteran and former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath as well as Anand Sharma. Banerjee did not utter a single word about the meeting. But when asked whether Congress will be a part of the chief minister’s united opposition initiative against BJP, Nath said only the party high command will decide that.

Banerjee's visit to Delhi coincides with the Monsoon session of Parliament. She is likely to meet leaders of other opposition parties as well, TMC sources say, adding that during her visit from July 26-30, she may also go to Parliament to attend Monsoon session, which is underway.

The Trinamool Congress supremo, who apparently seeks to take up a larger role in national politics prior to the 2024 Lok Sabha election, is visiting Delhi for the first time after leading her party to power in West Bengal for the third time in a row.

Also read:Mamata Banerjee meets Kamal Nath, Anand Sharma

Last Updated : Jul 27, 2021, 7:25 PM IST

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