Congress Slams NITI Aayog Over Treatment of Mamata Banerjee

The Congress party criticized the NITI Aayog for allegedly disrespecting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a Governing Council meeting, claiming the government think tank acts as a 'drumbeater' for Prime Minister Modi. Banerjee walked out midway through her speech, citing unfair treatment.

The Congress on Saturday voiced strong disapproval of the treatment accorded to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at a NITI Aayog meeting, calling it 'unacceptable.'

The opposition's critique followed Banerjee's abrupt exit from the 9th Governing Council meeting, asserting she was unjustly interrupted during her speech.

The government countered Banerjee's accusations, clarifying that her speaking time had concluded. The Congress contended that the Niti Aayog serves as a 'drumbeater' for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the meeting, accusing it of bias against non-NDA states in the Union Budget.

Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh claimed that since its inception, NITI Aayog has operated as a 'partisan' arm of the PMO, contrary to principles of cooperative federalism.

Describing its actions as 'partisan' and 'unprofessional,' Ramesh argued that NITI Aayog suppresses opposing views, which are vital to a functional democracy. He labelled the council's meetings as 'farcical,' and condemned its treatment of Banerjee as symptomatic of its typical conduct.

(With inputs from agencies.)