Kolkata: On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi facilitated a meeting with 19 MPs from the NCPI, including three representatives from Murshidabad who had previously missed two NDA gatherings. The only NCPI MP not in attendance was Dev. Following the breakfast meeting, the MPs expressed satisfaction with the discussions.
The Murshidabad MPs — Abu Taher Khan, Khalilur Rahaman, and Yusuf Pathan — who have been hesitant to align with the BJP or NDA, raised issues concerning unresolved SIR cases and the removal of loudspeakers from mosques. PM Modi listened attentively to their concerns. Earlier, the three lawmakers had a conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Also present were six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs who recently indicated their intention to join the Eknath Shinde-led faction, along with representatives from the Republican Party of India (Athawale), Rashtriya Lok Morcha, AIADMK, and UPPL. The meeting was also attended by Union Health Minister JP Nadda and BJP President Nitin Nabin.
Abu Taher shared, “It was an hour-long meeting with the PM. We reiterated the issues we had discussed with the home minister. While we fully respect legal and Supreme Court guidelines on noise regulations, we urged that these rules be applied uniformly and not target any single community. We appealed for the maintenance of communal harmony in Bengal.”
He also proposed a new 150-km railway line connecting Krishnanagar, Karimpur, Jalangi, Domkal, Islampur, and Murshidabad to enhance transportation in border regions. Additionally, he urged the PM to expedite the resolution of all legitimate SIR cases by year-end.
MP Satabdi Roy commented post-meeting, “Our PM interacted warmly with everyone and engaged in thorough discussions. He emphasized the importance of each individual’s contribution and remarked that the development of Bengal and Odisha is crucial for the entire nation.”
NCPI MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay added, “The PM was in a cheerful mood. He encouraged us to undergo regular health checkups and practice yoga, and we discussed northeastern development.”
MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar mentioned that the MPs felt “overwhelmed” by the interactions. “The PM stated that all NDA members, whether long-term partners or new allies, are his family, and we will collaborate effectively.”
Dev later issued a statement explaining his absence, citing prior commitments related to a shooting. He expressed his eagerness to meet with the PM soon and contribute to the progress and welfare of the populace.
