Mamata finds a friend in Naidu

“We are not talking about imposition of Article 356. Our first and foremost priority is to bring about normalcy in the state,” Naidu said, adding that violence should be stopped immediately. For that, the state government should work along with all political parties to restore peace in the violent-hit CPI(M)-dominated areas.

“My only concern is restoration of peace and protection of life and property of the people in West Bengal. Steps should be taken to end the political violence. The Centre, the state government and political parties should act together for this,” he said.

Naidu has himself been asking for additional funds to tackle extremist violence in Andhra Pradesh. A couple of months ago the Union Home Ministry was negotiating with experts in Israel to set up a radar watch system in the Naxalite-infested areas of Andhra Pradesh.

Naidu dodged a question on whether the TDP would support declaration of Bengal’s violence-hit areas as disturbed. “I am not a legal expert. It is for them (Central Government) to discuss the issue from legal angles,” he said.

After the meeting, Banerjee said she had briefed Naidu on the emerging political situation in West Bengal. She refused to give a categorical reply on whether she was sticking to her demand for imposition of Article 356 in the state.

“Peace should be restored, violence stopped and the state government should act in this regard,” she said.

After meeting the Andhra CM, Banerjee promised to push through several development projects in Andhra Pradesh pending before the Railway Ministry, including speeding up of modernisation of stations, conversion of narrow gauge line to broad gauge and more railway stoppages for Andhra Pradesh.