Mamata Banerjee meets Naveen Patnaik, calls for strengthening India's federal structure

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Thursday that they have resolved to make the country's federal structure "strong and stable".

The statement came after the much-awaited meeting of the two chief ministers at the conclusion of Banerjee's three-day visit to Odisha.

However, there is also speculation that this meeting could also be a part of the plan to form an opposition front in view of the next Lok Sabha elections.

At this time, there is a lot of discussion about a third front as well.

The surprising thing is that Congress is nowhere to be seen in this opposition front. 

Addressing reporters after the meeting at Patnaik's residence 'Naveen Niwas', the Odisha chief minister said, "We have resolved to make the country's federal structure stable and strong. There was no other political discussion."

Following this, Banerjee said, "I strongly support and appreciate what Naveenji said."

After the meeting of Naveen Patnaik and Mamata Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress tweeted, "CM Mamata Banerjee met Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik. Bengal and Odisha have always shared a special relationship, cooperation and respect. The meeting has further strengthened the bond between the two states."

Whereas, Naveen Patnaik tweeted, "It is always a pleasure to meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Didi. Odisha shares a special bond with the people of West Bengal and the neighboring state. Hope her stay in Odisha is pleasant and must have been fruitful."

However, speculation is rife that the meeting was part of Banerjee's plan to forge an opposition front with regional parties that excludes the Congress.