The Hindu : National : Manmohan Singh calls on Jyoti Basu

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Wednesday, Jul 12, 2006

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National

Manmohan Singh calls on Jyoti Basu

Special Correspondent

Discusses economic issues with Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee; Trinamool holds "chakka jam"

KOLKATA: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called on veteran Marxist leader Jyoti Basu at the latter's residence here on Tuesday. Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee accompanied him.

Later Mr. Basu told The Hindu that the Prime Minister's visit was ``a courtesy call."

Dr. Singh also held a meeting with Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. They discussed, among other issues, the State's plans for setting up special economic zones, the future of the proposal for setting up a deep sea port in Kulpi, a greenfield airport and an elevated rapid transport system in the city.

Mr. Bhattacharjee also expressed his Government's concern over the rise in prices of essential commodities.

Congress leaders also met the Prime Minister and urged him to give ``necessary directions" to the State Government to set up a land commission to oversee the acquisition of agricultural land for the setting up of new industries.

A "chakka jam," called by the Trinamool Congress to draw the Prime Minister's attention to its protest against the rise in prices of essential commodities, affected the traffic in certain areas. Trinamool activists also took out processions in different parts of the city.

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