No differences with Sovan, affirms Mamata

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ruled out any crisis in the government and at the same time, reiterated that there is no differences between her and Sovan Chatterjee, in connection with the latter's resignation.

"There is no crisis at all. One can always resign and there are provisions. There is no misunderstanding either. Someone can have personal problems," Banerjee said during the discussion of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2018, at the state Assembly.

Later, the Chief Minister told reporters that Chatterjee had sent his resignation four to five times earlier. "We had tried to see that he doesn't resign and continues with his work properly. He had tendered his resignation from the post of minister on Tuesday. Both me and Bobby (Firhad Hakim) spoke to him. He had tendered his resignation, so we had considered that he didn't want to work for some days as he is having some personal problems. So, he was asked to give resignation from the post of Mayor," Banerjee said.

Meanwhile Chatterjee, who tendered his resignation from the position of Mayor of Kolkata on Thursday, claimed that he did so at the behest of party supremo Mamata Banerjee.

"My decision to resign as the KMC Mayor, has been taken considering my party's will and instructions. There has been no dereliction of duty on my part both as a minister and Mayor. It is my duty to follow the order given out by the party supremo. I have done what was expected of me," Chatterjee said, addressing a Press conference at his Golpark residence.

"I have always followed her (Mamata Banerjee's) instructions and will continue to do so. I will congratulate the new Mayor. I have heard that Firhad Hakim has been given the charge and I will extend all my help and cooperation, if required" assured Chatterjee.

Chatterjee said that he had already sent documents related to his resignation to KMC chairperson Mala Roy. "Yesterday (Wednesday) was a public holiday and I had informed of my resignation today (Thursday)," he added.

He also made it clear that if his party wants him to resign from the post of councillor, he is ready to do so. Chatterjee is the councillor of ward 131 of KMC.

"KMC has helped me connect with the citizens. I will continue to play my role as a party member," he added.