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Mamata in Delhi, may do deal on presidential poll

Hindustan Times | By, New Delhi
May 03, 2012 01:20 PM IST

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee is in Delhi for parleys with the UPA brass, with both sides expecting an understanding on the presidential candidate as well as a moratorium for debt-ridden West Bengal. Saubhadra Chatterji reports. The buzz continues | Demands and counter-demands

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee arrived here on Wednesday for parleys with the UPA brass, with both sides expecting an understanding on the presidential candidate as well as a moratorium for debt-ridden West Bengal.


The 48,000 votes held by Trinamool in the presidential polls — the highest among Congress allies — is crucial for the ruling coalition's plans to get its candidate elected smoothly. The Trinamool-run state government, on the other hand, is demanding a three-year moratorium on annual interest payment (currently Rs 18,100) that would give debt-ridden Bengal temporary relief amounting to Rs 54,300 crore.

During her visit, Banerjee is scheduled to meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh separately. Banerjee has also planned to spend an afternoon in Parliament’s Central Hall – to be available for talks with other political leaders.

While her meeting with Gandhi is billed for talks on the presidential poll, negotiations with Singh on May 4 is likely to focus on the moratorium issue. “We are not beggars. We are asking for what is due to us. The prime minister promised us even before the elections. We have been asking for nearly a year now. The Centre cannot abdicate its responsibilities,” Banerjee said on Wednesday.

A top finance ministry official said, “A political call has to be taken on the moratorium.”

Top UPA managers said the Centre may also try to convince the Trinamool chief about reforms such foreign direct investment (FDI) in civil aviation, banking law amendment bills, pension fund bill and the insurance bill. Last week, the Prime Minister had assured a delegation of Trinamool leaders that “everything possible” would be done for bringing Bengal back to its feet.

Urban development minister Kamal Nath met Banerjee on Wednesday evening.

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Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crickit, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Infographics & much more. Explore now!

Stay updated with all top Cities including, Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai and more across India. Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News along with Delhi Election 2025 and Delhi Election Result 2025 Live, New Delhi Election Result Live, Kalkaji Election Result Live at Hindustan Times.
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