Mamata Banerjee Grapples with Political Discrimination at NITI Aayog Summit

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee met with Sunita Kejriwal in Delhi, expressing concern for Arvind Kejriwal's health. She plans to protest against political and economic bias towards Bengal at the upcoming NITI Aayog meeting while condemning BJP's divisive strategies. Opposing states continue to boycott the summit.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, upon arriving in New Delhi to attend the NITI Aayog meeting on July 27. The meeting took place at AAP national convenor's residence.

The Chief Minister's Office released pictures of the meeting. Speaking to ANI, Raghav Chadha disclosed that Banerjee expressed her concern for Arvind Kejriwal's health.

"Mamata Banerjee visited Arvind Kejriwal’s residence to meet his wife and parents. She expressed her concerns about Kejriwal's health and assured her support for AAP," he reported. Before leaving for Delhi, Banerjee said she plans to protest political discrimination against Bengal at the NITI Aayog meeting.

"I will protest the political discrimination against Bengal at the NITI Aayog meeting. The recent budget has unfairly treated Bengal and other opposition states," she stated. She also condemned BJP’s efforts to divide Bengal through economic and geographical blockades.

"BJP leaders intend to divide Bengal. They are imposing economic and geographical blockades. Such divisive statements target Jharkhand, Bihar, Assam, and Bengal. We strongly condemn these actions," she said. Her decision to attend the meeting contrasts with other opposition state leaders who have opted to boycott it.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy announced their boycotts in protest of the central government's alleged budgetary injustices. The NITI Aayog meeting, chaired by PM Modi, will include Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, Union Ministers, and NITI Aayog officials.