Mamata's decision has hurt nation's image: CPI(M)

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Tuesday said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee pulling out of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's entourage to Bangladesh had “hurt the image of the country.”

CPI(M) MP and Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechury said: “Her sudden decision not to join the Prime Minister to go to Bangladesh one day before the visit has not only brought embarrassment to our country but also tarnished its image in the international arena.”

He said “such agreements [on river water sharing] do not happen overnight,” and sought to know why Ms. Banerjee did not raise objections through Cabinet Ministers at the relevant forum instead of waiting till the end.