Mamata Didi's Sunday 'darbar' a hit

Kolkata: Sumona Mondal, 25, has both legs paralysed after a road accident. Having lost al hope of standing on her feet again, the change of regime in West Bengal and Mamata Banerjee taking over as chief minister has suddenly made her optimistic.

Mondal arrived in Kolkata Sunday at Didi's (as Banerjee is popularly called) Kalighat house to meet her and seek financial help at the chief minister's Sunday mass "darbar" (audience).

Mondal, a resident of Murshidabad district, became paralysed after a road accident in 2005. Since then her father, a Trinamool Congress supporter and hawker by profession, tried hard to get aid for her treatment in Hyderabad.

Her father brought her on a weheelchair and waited to meet Banerjee during the open forum where she listens to public grievences.

"We need Rs.5 lakh for my treatment in Hyderabad. I hope Didi would help us," Mondal said.

Hundreds of people with similar personal problems gather in front of the chief minister's house every Sunday since she assumed office.

Banerjee's meeting with the help seekers is also termed as "Janaganer Darbare Mamata" (People at Mamata's court) by a section of the media.

Admirers from across the state, including far off districts, assemble at Banerjee's residence every Sunday with sweets, posters and garlands.

Banerjee comes out usually at around 11 a.m. and interacts with the
crowd, giving them a patient hearing and provide them assurances.

On many occasions she asks her aides to get the details from the people and ensure steps are taken to solve their problems.

If Banerjee is too busy with her work and unable to meet the people, then party leader and union minister Mukul Roy meets the people.

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