Mulayam Singh woos Mamata in Kolkata

, Sept 12:

(SP) chief

praised West Bengal Chief Minister

on Tuesday, saying he admired the latter for she brought the much-needed change in the state as in Uttar Pradesh, a report published in

said. The SP toppled the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) to form government in UP earlier this year.

Mulayam showered his praise on Mamata during a felicitation programme organised by a Kolkata club on Wednesday. He was accompanied by his son Akhilesh, the CM of UP. Speaking about Jyoti Basu, the former CM of Bengal Mulayam said the people of Bengal wanted a change after Basu's death and they found it through Mamata's heroics.

Describing Mamata as a hardworking and determined leader, Mulayam said he has maintained good relation with her and still does, the report said.

Kiranmay Nanda, SP leader and former state minister, said his party always wanted to build good relation with parties like Trinamool Congress, said the report. Mulayam said the party will discuss relations with other parties in its executive committee meeting and work on that was set to start on Thursday, the report added.

Akhilesh Yadav said he hoped that the SP would strengthen its organisation in Bengal further.

Political quarters believe Mulayam was wooing Mamata to make up for his 'betrayal' with the Trinamool Congress chief prior to the presidential election earlier this year.

OneIndia News