Hope for consensus candidate for President, says Mamata after meeting PM Modi

Mamata Banerjee has sought funds from the Centre to implement schemes.

New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Thursday, said that she discussed only the developmental issues in her state and not on the upcoming Presidential polls.

Media reports had earlier speculated that they may discuss the presidential elections as President Pranab Mukjerjee's term ends on July 24.

Asked about their meeting, she told reporters that only the developmental issues were discussed. She, however, added that it will be good if parties get a consensus candidate like during the time of APJ Abdul Kalam.

"The President is the custodian of the Constitution and it will be very good for the entire country if we have a consensus candidate much like (late former President) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam," she said.

Banerjee has sought funds from the Centre to implement government schemes. She also discussed developmental issues, including the threat of erosion to the Ganga river banks.

"Of the Rs 10,500 crore due we have got only Rs 2,000 crore so far. I apprised the Prime Minister about the Rs 8,000 crore that is still due. He said he will look into the matter," Banerjee said. 

She said she raised the issue of funds to her state under various central schemes.

On Thursday's violence in Kolkata, she blamed the BJP for the clashes in which several people were injured.

“It is the BJP and CPM, they started it. See how they have beaten up police (personnel) including women (officers), burnt govt properties,” the chief minister said.

She was also scheduled to meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi and other Opposition leaders on Friday to finalise a common presidential candidate.