Mamata meets Swamy, clears air on Tarakeswar Temple administration

Swamy visited Banerjee in this connection at Nabanna where he held discussion with her. After the meeting, Swamy said: "I am very satisfied with what was discussed and she was very clear and forthright. She said very clearly that as far as Tarakeswar Temple is concerned, the religious activities will be entirely looked after by the trustees but beautification of the nearby areas will be carried out by the state Urban Development and Municipal Affairs department." He further said: "Derek O'Brien is a very good friend. He has been very helpful in solving a problem. There was urban development scope in Tarakeswar Temple. Mamataji has now said very clearly that as per the administration of the temple is concerned it will be by the trustees. She said her administration is secular and will not interfere in religious activity."

When asked if there was any political discussion, he said: "That always happens but there is nothing to report. Trinamool Congress MPs are regularly in touch with me when Parliament is in session. I am trying to find common grounds where we can take a united stand. For instance, now the Narendra Modi government has accepted my point of view and converted the private limited company of GSTN into a government-owned firm, one which I wanted from the very beginning."