Minister Dismisses Mamata's Mike Malfunction Claim

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri dismissed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's claims that her microphone was turned off during her speech at the NITI Aayog meeting. Puri stated it was not a national issue, while Banerjee alleged she was given less speaking time compared to other chief ministers.

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday downplayed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's accusation that her microphone was cut off during her speech at the NITI Aayog meeting in Delhi, asserting that it was ''not a national issue.''

Speaking at a Gujarat BJP-organized press conference on the Union Budget, Puri stated, ''I was not inside, and don't know how much time was given (for her to speak).'' He also mentioned that similar claims are often made in Parliament and emphasized that the importance of such incidents is overstated.

Banerjee walked out of the NITI Aayog meeting, claiming her microphone was muted five minutes into her speech while other chief ministers were allowed more time. Puri, however, insisted, ''I am certain that this is not a national issue, whether you spoke for 15 minutes or 18 minutes.''