Mamata Banerjee's Fiery Exit from NITI Aayog Meeting Sparks Controversy

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee exits NITI Aayog meeting, accusing the Centre of insulting Bengal by interrupting her speech. She claims preferential treatment for BJP-ruled states and criticizes the Centre for neglecting opposition states in fund allocations and project approvals.

After abruptly leaving the NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Centre of 'insulting Bengal' by interrupting her speech just five minutes in. She alleged this was a deliberate effort to 'malign the Opposition.'

Banerjee criticized the Centre for favoritism towards BJP-ruled states by granting them special privileges and financial packages. 'I spoke for whatever time I had—three to four minutes. Across the nation, opposition-ruled states are being neglected while BJP-ruled states enjoy advantages. It's unacceptable,' she stated.

Defending her decision to boycott the meeting, Banerjee emphasized she represented the entire opposition and deserved more speaking time. 'As the sole representative from opposition-ruled states, I should have been allotted at least 30 minutes. Rajnath Singh asked for views in 5-7 minutes, yet I wasn't even given that,' she noted. She added that BJP representatives received extended air-time and special packages, affirming her decision to exit the meeting to uphold Bengal's honor.

Banerjee also lambasted the central government for its approach during the Covid-19 pandemic, stating, 'The Centre only issues directives while states manage ground-level work. Our pending funds amount to Rs 1.71 lakh crore, and key subsidies and payments have been halted.' She criticized PM Modi, alleging he's misleading the public about achievements since Independence.

Highlighting the issue of water management, particularly from the Indo-Bhutan River Commission, Banerjee stressed the impact on North Bengal due to floods. She warned that without proper dredging, regions like Bankura, Hooghly, Birbhum, Bardhaman, and Howrah face recurring flood risks.