West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow to address the persisting issue of pending dues owed to the state. This crucial meeting between the Chief Minister and the Prime Minister occurs amidst an escalating dispute concerning the alleged withholding of central funds earmarked for Bengal.
Ms. Banerjee, prior to her departure for New Delhi, emphasized the Centre’s cessation of various funds allocated to Bengal, including those for crucial programs such as the housing initiative ‘Banglar Bari’. She voiced concerns over the discontinuation of central support for essential projects like the rural roads program, highlighting the shared financial responsibility between the state and the Centre in these ventures.
Highlighting the contentious nature of the situation, Ms. Banerjee raised objections to the Centre’s directives, alleging an imposition of a particular political hue on public infrastructure. She cited instances of saffron painting at metro stations and government buildings, expressing the need to preserve the state’s distinct white and blue branding rather than aligning with any party’s colors.
The Chief Minister further criticized the perceived imposition of political symbolism on various facets of public life, indicating concerns about potential interference in matters like education and governance.
The Trinamool Congress, previously engaged in protests over the unresolved dues earlier this year, is expected to be represented by Ms. Banerjee and the party’s National General Secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, during the meeting with the Prime Minister.
Abhishek Banerjee, an influential Member of Parliament from Diamond Harbour and considered a key figure in Mamata Banerjee’s political succession, was also in attendance alongside her at the INDIA Alliance meeting earlier today.
This crucial interaction between Mamata Banerjee and Narendra Modi signifies an attempt to address the longstanding financial disputes between the state and the Centre, further underscoring the political tensions surrounding fiscal allocations and their utilization in West Bengal.
Sources By Agencies
