Kovind and Mamata, despite being from opposite ends of the politcal spectrum were full of praise for each other.
On his maiden visit to Kolkata after becoming the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, at a civic reception programme hosted by the government of West Bengal, was presented with one of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s painting. He said it would be displayed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
“Chief Minister gifted me a painting of her own today. I was really amazed to see her painting. This will surely be displayed at Rashtrapati Bhavan. At the same time the it will always remain close to my heart,” he said while speaking at the reception.
In pure Bengali, Kovind also said, ‘Amar sonar Bangla ami tomai bhalobashi’ (I love you my golden Bengal). He praised Bengal and said people of Bengal had a big heart and that he was overwhelmed with the kind of welcome he received.
In his speech, he also added that Bengal had a great history, but all should ensure that it also had a great future. “This state was an early industrial and manufacturing centre in our country. Its economy must sing again in this age of digital and robotic technologies. It’s green fields and hard-working farmers must be equipped with the latest agricultural knowledge to allow them to realise their potential,” he said.
Stating the importance of being a border state, Kovind said, “Being a border state gives Bengal certain advantages. It also gives it certain responsibilities. Forces of radicalism and extremism, some of them with cross-border linkages, seek to take advantage of our democratic spaces. We must guard against this.”
Mamata too, showered praises for Kovind. She said she was honoured that the President had accepted her invitation. “I never knew he was a Rajya Sabha member when I was a Lok Sabha member. He had always maintained a very low profile. Please be the simple person you are,” Mamata said. She was also quick to point out that the post of the President was above all politics and that he was like a guardian and guide for everyone.
None of the MLAs of either Congress or Left Front were seen at the event. It was found out that Leader of Opposition, Abdul Mannan was personally invited but he could not make it to the reception owing to some personal engagements and a senior Left MLA said that he had received the invitation 10 minutes ahead of the event, thus would not be able to attend the reception.
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 "President Kovind and CM Banerjee")
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