West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called on her Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik at the latter’s residence Naveen Niwas here on Thursday.
After the meeting, Patnaik putting an end to all speculations about formation of a Third Front said to the media, “It was a courtesy call. and there were no political discussions.”
Banerjee, on her part, renewed her attack on the BJP, alleging that the saffron party wants to divide the nation in the name of caste, religion and region. The BJP is playing a big role in dividing Hindus and Muslims across the country, she said.
“Sometimes, they (BJP) purchase MlAs, Ministers and whatever they can… They divide Hindus and Muslims; Sikhs and Christians…They also create a division among Hindus…But we don’t do it. We want unity,” she said..
She said all regional parties must get together for better federalism.” All the regional parties are always in touch with each other. We want these parties to continue and grow. All the States are important to strengthen the federal structure…I don’t believe there is any threat to us them (BJP) because regional parties are strong enough to tackle them (BJP),” she said.
Asked if there was any discussion with Patnaik on a possible Third Front to counter the BJP, Banerjee answered in the negative. However, BJP vice-president Samir Mohanty said Mamata Banarjee didn’t come to have darshan of lord Jagannath. She came to meet her party MPs who are in jail for being involved in the chit fund scam. Both Naveen Patnaik and Mamata Banerjee are in the same boat.
BJD spokesperson Pratap Keshari Deo in his reaction said the BJP is “overjoyed”. Then, why is it afraid of who is meeting whomIJ