COVID-19: WB govt convenes all-party meet, Mamata dials oppn leaders

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has convened an all-party meeting on Wednesday to discuss situation in state in view of coronavirus pandemic, a senior minister said. Banerjee called up BJP state president Dilip Ghosh, Left Front chairman Biman Bose, and state Congress leers inviting m for meeting.

state government has been facing flak from opposition over alleged mishandling of coronavirus-induced situation. ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has rubbished charge, saying its baseless. minister said Banerjee will preside over meeting to be held at state secretariat on Wednesday afteron. meeting is likely to be attended by all political parties that have a presence in state assembly. Speaker Biman Banerjee will also be present in meeting, he said.

"Apart from coronavirus-related situation, discussions will also be held on lockdown in state. Some political parties have been asking for an all-party meet so it has been decided to hold one such meet where exchange of views can take place," minister ded. BJP's Dilip Ghosh said chief minister h called me and requested me to participate in all party meet.

"I told her that I need to talk to my party high command and welcomed her gesture," he said.

Left Front constituents CPI(M), CPI, Forward Bloc and RSP have communicated that y would attend meeting, sources said. Banerjee h convened a similar meeting in March to discuss COVID-19 situation just after nationwide lockdown began. According to state health department, total number of active COVID-19 cases in state w stands 14,358 and death toll is 569.