Chief minister Mamata Banerjee disclosed on Saturday that the Centre denied her permission to visit Rome for a World Peace Conference in October.

“The central government sent us a letter today (Saturday). They have denied political clearance. Why? Is it not right for the chief minister to go?” Mamata told a campaign meeting in Bhowanipore.

Sources later said the state government received a one-line letter from a joint secretary in the external affairs ministry that the event was not commensurate with the status of a chief minister for participation. The Pope, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar of Cairo, the German Chancellor and the Italian Prime Minister are among the other invitees.

Mamata was invited by Marco Impagliazzo, the president of the Community of Sant’Egidio, a Catholic association in Rome. She was the only Indian invited to the event.

Mamata said the Centre was “jealous” of her and hence insulted her. “Italy gave us special permission for this huge peace conference and brotherhood. Otherwise India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh are banned in Italy owing to Covid,” the chief minister said.

Mamata referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing US tour. “No one can go to Europe, America, Britain or anywhere else because Covaxin is not recognised by WHO, but our Prime Minister went on a special permission…. We are not against the Prime Minister’s visit, he needs to go at times…. But why didn’t you let me represent (the nation)?” she asked.

“The nation’s pride was associated with this tour. All religions will be represented at the meeting. You only speak about Hindus…. I was invited as a Hindu, why didn’t you allow me? You say so much about the Hindu dharma. Jealousy. Just jealousy,” Mamata added.