Mamata meets Modi, seeks fincial help for Bengal

New Delhi, March 9: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday called on Prime Minister rendra Modi here and sought fincial assistance for her debt-ridden state. This was Banerjee’s first meeting with the prime minister after he assumed office last May. During the meeting, which was held in Parliament House, the chief minister briefed Modi about the fincial difficulties her state was passing through. “During the meeting, the chief minister asked for debt relief and relief from interest payments,” an official statement issued here said. After hearing Banerjee, Modi explained that he was a firm believer in cooperative federalism and as he has constantly been saying that “only strong states can make a strong India and therefore, states must be strengthened to meet development needs of their people”, it said.

“West Bengal and Kolkata have to develop for their own sake, and for the benefit of the region. That is why we have the ‘Act East’ policy. The region has talented people and a lot of resources,” the statement quoted Modi as saying. (IANS)