Mamata not neglecting Railway Ministry: Congress

Under attack from opposition parties for her frequent absence from Delhi, Congress today defended Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee by saying she was not neglecting her ministry.

Under attack from opposition parties for her frequent absence from Delhi, Congress on Tuesday defended Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee by saying she was not neglecting her ministry.

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"She is correct to an extent. She is an MP from Kolkata and a leader in West Bengal. But it does not mean that she is neglecting her ministry," party spokesman Manish Tewari told reporters in New Delhi.

Tewari said Banerjee has presented two railway budgets and has participated in all discussions in Parliament. He said he met Banerjee on several occasions and it was in Delhi and not in Kolkata.

Banerjee, in Kolkata said, "Delhi is not my home. When there is no Parliament session, why should I stay in Delhi? Kolkata is my homeland."

Her remarks came in the wake of criticism by Opposition including CPI(M) and BJP of neglecting duty as Railway Minister following Sunday's stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, which left two persons dead and eight others injured.