Didi-Naveen discuss federal issues, skip politics
BHUBANESWAR: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday held discussion with her Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik on strengthening of federal structures in the country and the democratic rights of the people.
Both Mamata and Naveen told reporters after the meeting that it was purely a courtesy call and no serious political situation was discussed during the meeting which lasted for about 15 minutes.
Naveen said it was an informal discussion and we discussed how the federal structure will be strengthened. Mamata stated her full support to Naveen on his view on the federal structure of the country.
The West Bengal Chief Minister said she was very much delighted by the good gesture shown by Naveen ji and the protocol and the hospitality given to her during her visit to the state.
When asked whether they had any discussion on the third front issue, Mamata said, “we have discussed only the safety and democratic rights of the people”
She further said, “Naveen babu is a very tall leader and we maintained a very good relationship.”
Mamata informed that she had told the Odisha Chief Minister that a new Jagannath temple is being constructed at Digha and she had invited him to grace the occasion.
She also thanked the Odisha Chief Minister for providing two acres of land at Puri for construction of Biswa Bangla Bhawan.
The West Bengal Chief Minister said she had requested for supply of Iron ore for the industries of West Bengal and development of an Industrial corridor between the two states.
Patnaik welcomed Banerjee by presenting ‘Sri anga bastra of Mahaprabhu’. He then presented a replica of three chariots, a filigree work and ‘Chhena poda’, a most popular sweet dish of the state. Mamata presented a shawl to Naveen Patnaik specially prepared by Biswa Bangla.
She also paid respect to Biju Babu and Gyana Patnaik by presenting a Zamdani saree.
Mamata Banarjee who arrived here on Tuesday on a three day visit to the state, returned to West Bengal Thursday afternoon after meeting Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at Naveen Nivas here.
During her stay in Puri she visited Sri Jagannath Temple and offered prayers to the presiding deities. She also visited the proposed site at Baliapanda for construction of Biswa Bangla Bhawan.