For the masses

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee’s simple lifestyle and girl-next-door appeal, even after she became the West Bengal chief minister, have endeared her to the masses in the state. But Didi’s appeal, it seems, cuts across her state borders. Like any true Bengali woman, she is well-known for her hospitality. During her visit to the Capital, when mediapersons trailed her all day long to keep track of her engagements (especially as she is the second largest ally of the UPA), Mamata in the midst of a flurry of meetings with the Prime Minister and rural development minister, made it a point to greet the mediapersons for ‘Bijoya’. Taking note of the fact that there was a sizeable number of Bengali journalists among them, she personally ensured that they were fed the famous ‘fish fry’ and ‘fish cutlet’ from Bijoli Grill caterers, along with the sweets. Even as a railway minister, she was renowned for her housewife-like hospitality.