BJP's Poonawalla Criticizes Opposition for Boycotting NITI Aayog Meeting

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla slammed the opposition for boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting, accusing them of opposing the idea of a 'Developed India.' Mamata Banerjee, who attended the meeting, alleged political discrimination, claiming she was not allowed to speak adequately.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla sharply criticized opposition parties for boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting on Saturday. Poonawalla argued that the INDIA bloc consistently opposes anything beneficial for the country, suggesting that their issue isn't with the budget itself but with those who prepared it.

In a self-made video, Poonawalla accused the INDIA alliance of boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting to oppose the concept of a 'Viksit Bharat.' He highlighted previous instances of boycotts, such as Constitution Day and Independence Day events. Notably, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee attended the meeting, indicating a break in opposition unity.

Poonawalla criticized the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) for claiming that Bihar received minimal funding, contrasting with other parties in the INDIA bloc that praised the allocations. He suggested that Mamata Banerjee's participation sent a message to the opposition, particularly the Congress, against central authority.

Further, Poonawalla stated that opposition parties are competing to demonstrate who can most effectively oppose Prime Minister Modi. He cited significant budget allocations for Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal as examples of the NDA's commitment to development.

However, Mamata Banerjee alleged political discrimination at the NITI Aayog meeting. She claimed her microphone was muted, limiting her speaking time compared to other chief ministers, and protested the central government's treatment of Bengal and other opposition states.

Banerjee vowed to protest against perceived injustices, accusing BJP leaders of trying to divide Bengal and impose economic and geographical blockades. She emphasized that dividing Bengal would equate to dividing the nation and condemned the BJP's attitude toward opposition-led states.

Chief ministers of opposition-led states, including Punjab's Bhagwant Mann and Telangana's Revanth Reddy, announced their boycott of the meeting, protesting what they see as the central government's unfair allocation of funds in the 2024 Union Budget.