Kolkata: Apparently encouraged by Prime Minister A B Vajpayee cancelling allotment of petrol pumps, LPG and kerosene agencies after a newspaper expose, Trinamool Congress leader Mamta Banerjee on August 5 sought his immediate intervention to resolve the problem arising out of the bifurcation of the Eastern Railway.

"The Prime Minister took right step on allotment of petrol pumps. Stringent action should be taken in this regard without giving indulgence to corruption," Banerjee told reporters.

The Trinamool chief who recently went on record saying that the "PMO has been hijacked and Vajpayee is not being allowed to function as the PM", said that the Prime Minister should intervene immediately when attempts were being made to create rift between states and deprive them of their dues.

Avoiding a straight reply whether the Prime Minister has got back his powers, the TC chief said, "When we appeal to him, it is on behalf of the people of entire West Bengal."

Claiming that the people "spontaneously" responded during the day to the TC- sponsored state-wide bandh in West Bengal against the bifurcation of Eastern railway, she said that the Centre should now re-consider its decision.

Banerjee also accused Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharjee of "entering into a secret pact with the Centre and selling out the state. "About 20 coal mines were closed in West Bengal," she said.

Bhattacharjee took over the mantle, Central offices were being shifted one after another from the state, she alleged.

PTI