Mamata to meet PM Modi; state issues on agenda

KOLKATA/NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is arriving in the national capital on Tuesday, and is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Lok Kalyan Marg at 4.30 pm on Wednesday, sources in the state secretariat confirmed on Monday.

According to the sources , a letter was sent to the PMO last week requesting an appointment with Modi. The letter of approval for the meeting reached the state secretariat on Monday. She is likely to return to the city on Friday.

Sources said the two leaders would discuss issues including the change of the state's name. The Trinamool Congress wants to change the name of the state from West Bengal to Bangla. During the budget session, a party delegation led by Sudip Bandopadhyay had met PM Modi raising this demand, but the Centre has not given its assent.

The agenda will also include the state's intended takeover of the Dunlop factory, for which the President's consent is awaited. The list also covers issues related to the MNREGA scheme and its funding.

The Chief Minister had met PM Modi last in March, during which they discussed the financial crisis facing the state. The Prime Minister had assured her that he would look into the issue.