Nancy Powell seeks meet with Mamata Banerjee

Fuelling speculation in political circles, US Ambassador to India Nancy Powell has sought a meeting with West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. “As per rules we have sent the request to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for formal approval,’’ an official of the state government said.

The US Ambassador to India had met Mamata on September 23, 2012 and discussed possible US investments in Bengal besides other matters. She also invited her to visit the US.

In May 6 the same year, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had met Mamata at Writers’ Buildings.

Powell wanting to meet the West Bengal chief minister on the eve of general elections led to speculation about Mamata’s party Trinamool likely playing a role in forming next the government in Delhi.