Though both the leaders were tight-lipped on the meeting, political analysts say that they discussed seat adjustment in the forthcoming Assembly elections.
Mollah had sought an appointment with Banerjee in December 2015. The meeting was significant as the Congress and CPI(M) are trying to forge an electoral alliance to oust the Trinamool Congress.
Mollah, who was a state committee member of the CPI(M), was expelled from the party after he openly criticised party leaders including the former Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and former Industry Minister Nirupam Sen and held them responsible for the party’s debacle in the 2011 Assembly polls.
He also floated a platform Samajik Nayabichar Party. According to political analysts, with Mollah by her side, Banerjee would ensure the minority vote.
Earlier, Banerjee had addressed rallies organised by Siddiqullah Chowdhury and Peryada Twaha Siddiqui. During the programme, both the leaders pledged their unstinted support.
Mollah has a strong support base in South 24-Parganas and this has not eroded over the past five years. Two other CPI(M) leaders Sujan Chakraborty and Kanti Ganguly have support base in Hindu dominated areas.
When contacted, Mollah refused to say anything on the meeting. He only said that no political matter was discussed at the meeting. “Had it been a political meeting, then the venue would have been the Trinamool party office and not Nabanna,” he said.
When asked about the reason behind Monday’s meeting with the Chief Minister, Mollah said, “I hope you all understand that two politicians will not meet to discuss on Ramayana.”
He said: “I came to meet Banerjee as the condition of two roads in my area are very poor and I came to urge her to take steps to repair the roads. I have also urged her to take steps to repair the roads ahead of the elections.”
In reply to a query on whether he was planning to join the Trinamool Congress, he quipped: “If I join, I will invite you (a journalist) on the day of my joining.”