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Journalism of Courage
A day after key UPA partner Trinamool Congress protested against the petrol price hike,Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said on Friday West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was ‘a very respected and important ally.’
The Trinamool,second largest partner of the UPA,registered a strong protest with the Centre against the petrol price hike,alleging it was not consulted before the hike was announced.
“We would like to take her along with us and talk to her on all important issues,” she told reporters on the sidelines of the annual convocation of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute.
She explained petrol had been decontrolled and as such it was not in the hands of the government.
However,it is ‘unfortunate’ that it has happened,she said.
Turning to the high inflation rate,the minister said the prime minister and the finance minister were ‘sensitive’ to the problem being faced by common man.
“They have assured of taking some steps to bring down the high rate of inflation,” she said.
Asked about what transpired in the talks between her and the chief minister during the day,Soni said,”I am not authorised to speak what we discussed. But she has told me her viewpoints which I will convey to the prime minister.”
