Mamata not to take part in PM's video conference

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said she would not take part in the video conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday on tackling the COVID-19 situation as her state was already allotted a time slot to give its suggestion at an earlier meeting.

Kolkata, April 1 West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said she would not take part in the video conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday on tackling the COVID-19 situation as her state was already allotted a time slot to give its suggestion at an earlier meeting.

"In the previous video conference, eight of the states, including Bengal, were given three minutes each to put forward their suggestions and air their problems. In tomorrow's meeting, Chief Ministers of ten other states have been asked to speak.

"So since we are not going to speak this time, why should I unnecessarily waste time by taking part in the video conference? I would rather attend to other issues here," she said.

However, she was quick to add: "Please don't now write Mamata not to attend Prime Minister's video conference. On behalf of our state, the Chief Secretary (Rajiv Sinha) will attend," she said.

( With inputs from IANS )