Kolkata, July 28: CPI(M) today dismissed Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee's allegation that West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharjee had a secret understanding with the Centre on the issue of bifurcation of Eastern Railway and said the CM's meetings with central leadership were as per the need of parliamentary democracy. The CPI(M) state secretary and politburo member Anil Biswas told newsmen here that the chief minister's meetings particularly with the Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani on various matters including the state's law and order situation were as per the needs of parliamentary democracy.

"Chief minister generally goes to New Delhi to attend the party's politburo and central committee meetings. He meets the Deputy Prime Minister during his stay in the Capital to discuss important matters including the law and order in the state if necessary", Biswas said adding that this was the practice permitted by the constitution and there was nothing wrong in it. "Courtesy also demands it", he added. "Chief minister sometimes discusses matters with the Deputy PM over phone whenever required", Biswas said adding that "if CM does not meet the Deputy PM in needs that would be contrary to parliamentary democracy".

Criticising Mamata's allegation, Biswas said "cm either meets or talks over phone with the Dy PM or other Central leaders, while the TC chief is their coalition (NDA) partner." Bureau Report