West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has decided to skip the inauguration of the research centre named after Jyoti Basu, the late nonagenarian Indian Marxist and former CM.
The event is taking place on Friday and she has been invited by the Left party.
Despite the invitation from the state CPI(M) leadership, she will not be attending citing her administrative preoccupations.
Confirming the development, CPI(M) central committee member from West Bengal Robin Deb said that the veteran party leader and the Left Front chairman in West Bengal Biman Bose had personally invited Mamata Banerjee to be present at the inauguration.
“However, we have been informed by the state secretariat that the Chief Minister would not be able to be present at the programme,” Deb confirmed.
The inauguration of the research centre will be done on the occasion of the 15th death anniversary of the former and longest-ever chief minister of West Bengal in the presence of CPI(M)’s politburo coordinator and former party general secretary Prakash Karat.
CPI(M)’s state secretary in West Bengal Md Salim and party politburo member Dr Suryakanta Mishra will also be present on the occasion.
Explaining the rationale behind inviting Mamata Banerjee to the event, a senior state committee member of CPI(M) said that since the said research centre will have an independent identity and since it is named after the former Chief Minister, the party leadership decided to invite the current Chief Minister at the inauguration function.
“There is nothing political about it. But now we have been informed from the state secretariat that the Chief Minister will not be able to be present at the inauguration because of her administrative preoccupations,” the state committee member said.
From Friday, the CPI(M)'s central committee meeting will also start at New Town on the northern outskirts of Kolkata. The political resolutions for the forthcoming party Congress might be adopted at the two-day central committee meeting starting from Friday.
The party Congress is scheduled in April this year at Madurai in Tamil Nadu, where the party will get its new general secretary, which has been lying vacant since the demise of the former party general secretary Sitaram Yechury last year.
PM Modi holds talks with Elon Musk on closer India-US ties in technology, innovation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a discussion with Tesla CEO Elon Musk on a range of topics, including the immense potential for collaboration in the areas of technology and innovation.
Nine women among 22 Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarh's Sukma
Security forces in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh have achieved a significant breakthrough with 22 Maoists, including nine women, surrendering on Friday, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to combat Maoism, officials said.
Focus on protecting rights of own minorities: India slams B'desh on Bengal violence comment
The comments from Dhaka came in the wake of protests against the Waqf(Amendment) Act, during which Bangladesh urged Indian authorities to ensure the safety of the minority Muslim population in the state.
Guru Tegh Bahadur's sacrifice inspires society to protect their faith for eternity: HM Shah on Prakash Parv
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday paid tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh guru, on his birth anniversary and emphasised the enduring legacy of his teachings and sacrifices.
May the spirit of peace and togetherness always prevail: PM Modi on Good Friday
On Good Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and urged people to embrace kindness and compassion, praying that the spirit of peace and togetherness always prevails.
HC asks Delhi govt, MCD to act against illegal encroachments on Yamuna Pusta Road
The Delhi High Court has ordered the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the city government to act against illegal encroachments prevailing along the Yamuna Pusta Road, which stretches from Wazirabad to Hiranki and serves as a crucial arterial route for residents and commuters.
2 killed, 6 injured in US university shooting
Two people were killed and six others were injured after an active shooter opened fire on the Florida State University (FSU) campus in Tallahassee on Thursday, law enforcement said at a news conference.
DoNER Minister bats for accelerating the Special Economic Zone in Manipur
Union Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday directed officials to accelerate the pace of key infrastructure projects, including universities, Information Technology and Special Economic Zone in Manipur, mental, maternity and child hospital, officials said.