Kolkata/ Delhi, 07 August (H.S.) : Three NCPI MPs, whose absence from a recent NDA meeting had triggered speculation about differences within the alliance, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Thursday night.

The meeting assumes significance as Murshidabad MP Abu Taher Khan, Berhampore MP Yusuf Pathan and Jangipur MP Khalilur Rahaman had skipped the NDA meeting in Delhi and had publicly maintained that they were not aligned with the BJP-led alliance. Their absence had fuelled rumours of internal differences within the party and uncertainty over their political stand.

The three leaders, who joined NCPI after leaving the Trinamool Congress following the change of government in West Bengal, met Shah along with NCPI MPs Shatabdi Roy and Asit Mal. However, neither the BJP nor the NCPI disclosed the details of the discussions.

Speaking after the meeting, MP Shatabdi Roy said the delegation discussed development-related issues concerning their constituencies with the Union Home Minister. She did not comment on whether the meeting addressed the speculation surrounding the MPs' absence from the NDA gathering.

The development comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's breakfast meeting with NDA MPs in New Delhi on Friday, where NCPI leaders have also been invited.

Earlier, Abu Taher Khan, Khalilur Rahaman and Yusuf Pathan had stated that while they had stayed away from the NDA meeting, they would continue to cooperate with both the Central and State governments in the interest of development and public welfare.

Political observers remain divided over the significance of Thursday's meeting. While some believe it could help ease speculation over the MPs' position within the alliance, others point out that the three leaders have previously held meetings with Union ministers after joining the NDA ally NCPI. Whether the interaction with Amit Shah leads to any political realignment or change in their public stance remains to be seen.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh