On Monday, while most MPs listened to US President Barack Obama with rapt attention in the Central Hall, two were otherwise busy. CPI(M)’s Sitaram Yechury was quickly noting key points of the speech. His arch rival, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, was even more busy — sketching. Later, Yechury met Obama at the president’s banquet. “I have heard,” the US president told the witty Left leader, “that the Indian communists are very much in the political mainstream in India.” “Yes,” Yechury replied, “that,s why I am here at this banquet”, and went on to explain how the Left has always been a part of parliamentary democracy.
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