During a chance meeting at Dubai Airport, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had a light-hearted exchange with Sri Lanka’s President, Ranil Wickremesinghe. President Wickremesinghe asked her if she would be leading the opposition INDIA bloc, to which Banerjee responded with a touch of humor, saying, “If people support us, we can be in a position (of power) tomorrow.”
Banerjee, who is the Supremo of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), is currently on a tour to Dubai and Spain. Over two dozen opposition parties in India have formed the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) to unite against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
The coordination committee of INDIA recently held its first meeting at the residence of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar in Delhi, indicating their determination to present a united front in the upcoming elections.
In a post on social media, Banerjee shared the encounter with President Wickremesinghe, stating that he saw her at the Dubai International Airport Lounge and invited her for a discussion. She further extended an invitation to President Wickremesinghe to attend the Bengal Global Business Summit 2023 in Kolkata, scheduled for November 21-22.
Banerjee also revealed that President Wickremesinghe has invited her to visit Sri Lanka, suggesting that the interaction at the airport had deeper implications.
Banerjee’s tour to Dubai and Spain is primarily focused on attending business summits and attracting investments to West Bengal. She highlighted the importance of these visits, stating that it had been five years since West Bengal officials had gone abroad. Spain was featured as the theme country in this year’s International Kolkata Book Fair, and Banerjee sees opportunities for collaboration in manufacturing and other industries.
Regarding her overseas trips, Banerjee explained to reporters at the airport that foreign delegates often visit India, but Indian officials don’t reciprocate these visits frequently. Therefore, her trip aims to bridge that gap and participate in business conferences.
Banerjee’s visit to Dubai and Spain underscores her efforts to promote investment and development in West Bengal while also showcasing the potential for collaboration with international partners.
