Thaindian News

Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) Bhutan Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley Friday showered praise on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying he was inspired by her simple and austere lifestyle and exuded confidence that she would lead the state to prosperity.

Thinley, who met Banerjee at the state secretariat during the day, said he had known her for a long time as a “good servant of the people”.

“And today when I met her, it was a very satisfying meeting. And affirmed my thoughts and my understanding of the kind of leader she is,” Thinley told reporters here.

The prime minister, who was in the city to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Mahabodhi Society, said he has studied and made enquiries about what motivated her as a politician.

“And I am convinced that her motivation is service of the people. I am inspired by the way she conducts her personal life… and the type of austerity (she practices)”.

“And a leader I think should be able to live in austerity if she is extremely committed to raising the poor out of poverty,” he said, replying to a query.

Describing Banerjee as a leader who also is ready to sacrifice her life, Thinley said he told the chief minister that security was absolutely necessary for a person of her position.

“I told her ‘I understand you refuse security. That is absolutely necessary for a person of your position. The house you live in, the setting you live in, the neighbours that you have, the authorities are concerned about your security’.

“And what she told me was very moving. I think you have a good leader. You have a people’s representative in her. I think West Bengal will see progress,” he added.