TMC MPs Accuse Centre of Withholding Funds: A Clash Over Dues

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs have accused the central government of withholding dues worth around Rs 1.7 lakh crore to West Bengal. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the issue in the Rajya Sabha, while TMC's Derek O'Brien challenged the figures, leading to a political clash and a subsequent walkout.

On Thursday, Trinamool Congress MPs strongly criticized the central government for allegedly withholding dues to West Bengal, totaling around Rs 1.7 lakh crore. They demanded Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarify the financial obligations.

During the Budget session in the Rajya Sabha, TMC leader Derek O'Brien confronted Sitharaman, questioning the unpaid funds related to MGNREGS and the Awas Yojana program. Despite Sitharaman's assurances regarding financial management, O'Brien alleged that nearly all compliance has been met by the state.

As the debate heated up, Leader of the House J P Nadda accused TMC of politicizing the issue. In protest, TMC MPs staged a walkout. Post-walkout, TMC deputy leader Sagarika Ghose reiterated that the Centre owed West Bengal Rs 1.75 lakh crore and accused the Modi government of an economic blockade.