Mamata calls on Mannan, says 'medical costs to be borne by govt'

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday called on the Leader of Opposition Abdul Mannan who is receiving treatment in a private hospital. She wished him a speedy recovery.

Banerjee spoke to the attending doctors and told them that the best treatment should be provided and the state government would bear all medical expenses.

Mannan fell sick while protesting against Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay's order to suspend him from the Assembly for two days on Wednesday.

He sat on the floor and refused to leave the hall. Pandemonium prevailed after the Speaker called in the marshall to take Mannan away. Mannan was rushed to a nursing home from where he was shifted to another private hospital.

Partha Chatterjee, Parliamentary Affairs minister and Tapas Roy, deputy chief whip had earlier called on him.

Banerjee's gesture was appreciated by the leaders of the Opposition political parties. She has been repeatedly saying that there might be differences in political views but one should give human relationship highest respect and political courtesy should be maintained. It may be mentioned that Mannan was the chief architect in forming an alliance with CPI(M) and had criticised Banerjee in all political meetings. After Banerjee became the Chief Minister for the second time and the alliance was defeated handsomely, Mannan had said it was unfortunate for the people of the state that Mamata Banerjee had come to power for the second time.

But keeping aside all differences and criticisms, Banerjee on Saturday set yet another example. It may be recalled that she had visited ailing Forward Bloc leader Ashok Ghosh in the hospital and also met Jyoti Basu in Indira Bhavan when he had taken ill.