Mamata Banerjee miffed over Centre’s scheduling goof-up

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her dissatisfaction over the Centre requesting her to take part in a video conference when a trade centre between India and Bangladesh would be inaugurated at Petrapole border on July 21, the day her party observes as Martyrs’ Day.

On July 21, 1993 Kolkata Police had opened fired on Congress supporters when they marched towards the Writers’ Building, protesting against the ‘scientific rigging’ of elections by CPI(M) and their demand for making voters’ identity card compulsory. Lakhs of people attend the rally every year to commemorate the death of the 13 people.

Due to her previous commitment, it would be quite difficult for Banerjee to attend such an important programme. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are also scheduled to attend the programme through video conference. Some central ministers will also be present at the inauguration of the trade centre.

The programme is being organised by the Ministry of External Affairs and an invitation in this regard was also sent to the Chief Minister. Sources said that Banerjee on Monday wrote to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, stating that every year lakhs of people pour into the city to be a part of Martyrs’ Day.

The inauguration of the trade centre, on the other hand, is not a small matter either. Sources said that the date of the inauguration should not have coincided on a day when the chief minister would be pre-occupied.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister is scheduled to attend a dinner at the Rastrapati Bhavan on July 25 where the Prime Minister will also be present.