Mamata Banerjee to Attend NITI Aayog Meeting Amid Opposition Boycott

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed her attendance at the NITI Aayog meeting in Delhi on July 27, amid speculations of an opposition boycott. Banerjee plans to protest against the Union Budget's alleged discrimination and the proposed division of Bengal and other opposition-ruled states.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed on Friday that she would attend the central think-tank NITI Aayog meeting scheduled on July 27 in Delhi. Her statement came amid widespread speculation about her potential absence, aligning with the INDIA bloc Chief Ministers who have decided to boycott the meet.

Speaking to reporters at Kolkata airport before her departure to Delhi, Banerjee expressed her intention to voice her protest against the 'discriminatory budget' and 'conspiracy to divide Bengal and other opposition-ruled states.' She mentioned that her written speech was submitted ahead of the meeting.

“I will attend the meeting briefly. If allowed, I will deliver my speech to protest the bias and conspiracy against opposition-ruled states. Otherwise, I will walk out,” Banerjee stated, accompanied by her nephew and TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee. The Chief Minister condemned divisive statements made by BJP leaders and asserted her commitment to raising these issues at the NITI Aayog meeting.