NEW DELHI, Feb 16: The United States is evincing a keen interest in those leaders in the largest democracy of the world, India, who can emerge as flag-bearers or cornerstones in the next Government at the Centre after the general elections this year.
US Ambassador to India Nancy Powell is likely to meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on February 21 or 22. The meeting will come hard on the heels of Ms Powell’s meeting with Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on February 13.
Ms Powell has sought a meeting with Ms Banerjee and a letter from the former’s office in this regard has reached Nabanna — the state secretariat.
As a follow-up, the State Government has sought a formal clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs. Ms Powell had met Ms Banerjee for the first time on September 23, 2012 when the Mamata Government had completed her first year in power, after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton came calling in May at the Writers’ Buildings.
British Prime Minister David Cameron had also met Ms Banerjee on November 13 last year and even invited her to London. (UNI)
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