Buddha welcomes Mamata pledge

West Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharya on Tuesday said if Union Coal and Mine Minister Mamata Banerjee ‘‘could implement what she had promised’’ (to ward off the strike called by five Central trade unions) ‘‘she would only contribute to the well being of the state.’’ Bhattacharya said Mamata could expect his cooperation if she carried out her promises.

Mamata’s sop to the trade unions didn’t extend to the CPI(M)-led Left Front government in terms of calling off the bandh. Political observers here feel it’s a ‘‘cosmetic promise’’ towards their main rival in the coming Lok Sabha polls.

‘‘What does it matter to us, when she was Railway Minister, did she receive any kudos from CPI(M)? We don’t care,” said senior Trinamool Congress leader Pankaj Banerjee.