Mamata Banerjee had informed Chidambaram about her absence

Contrary to reports that she skipped the function, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had written to Union Home Minister P Chidambaram in advance that she may not be able to participate in the NSG hub inauguration near Kolkata on Saturday.

"Much as I would have liked to be with you on the occasion, some urgent pre-occupations will deprive me to participate in this programme," she wrote in letter to Chidambaram on February 13.

In the letter she also told the Home Minister that since this programme has been postponed on earlier occasions, she requested him to go ahead with the programme.

She also intimated him that she was deputing Union minister Mukul Roy and state minister Jyotipriya Malik to be present on the occasion for inauguration of permanent home of the NGS hub.

The NSG hub at Kolkata was part of the plan chalked out by the Centre in the aftermath of 26/11 attacks in Mumbai.