Plateful: Pranab to host special dinner for Mamata

It's the season for dinner diplomacy. In a move which should gladden the hearts of Congress, senior leader Pranab Mukherjee is hosting Trinamool Congress leader Mamta Banerjee for a "private family dinner" this Saturday .

Pranab is hosting the dinner at his private residence in Greater Kailash, not in his official bungalow, clearly signaling that he regards the dinner invitation as a serious and special occasion rather than a routine meeting between allies. Pranab's wife and children are expected to be present at the dinner and since Mamta Banerjee is alone it is not clear who, if anyone would accompany her.

While the menu is expected to have the usual Bengali delicacies, including Pranab's favourite fish, the political menu is expected to be a little more complicated.

Since Pranab Mukherjee officially looks after the allies in the UPA Government, sources say he may discuss with Mamata the issue of the impending Cabinet reshuffle and whether she wants to make any changes from her party in the Council of Ministers.

Specifically, the question of whether Mamata herself wants to opt out of the Railway ministry has cropped up a number of times with speculation rife that she wants to focus on West Bengal and the approaching Assembly elections.

It is expected that Pranab Mukherjee, currently the West Bengal Congress president has repeatedly told Sonia Gandhi that he wants to step down as he does not have the time to run the party, may also discuss this issue with Mamta as the party would need to know her mind on likely replacements for Pranab before taking a call.

It is likely that Pranab would discuss government business with the Trinamool leader as the government needs her crucial support to pass certain bills, including the civil nuclear liability bill.