'No problem, but under her rule North Bengal is deprived': BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar on West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee attending NITI Aayog meet
Times of India | 27 July 2024
BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar criticized her rule for neglecting North Bengal. Banerjee plans to protest what she deems political discrimination against Bengal, accusing BJP leaders of attempting to divide the state and imposing blockades NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is set to attend the NITI Aayog meeting in Delhi, scheduled for July 27, despite the INDIA bloc's boycott. Her attendance diverges from other opposition-led state leaders who are avoiding the meet chaired by prime minister Narendra Modi.
BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar expressed no issue with her participation but criticized her governance, claiming North Bengal has been neglected.
Jagannath Sarkar stated, "Everyone should attend the NITI Aayog meeting. There is no problem if she is attending the meeting. Under Mamata Banerjee rule, North Bengal is deprived. Mamata Banerjee does not want the centre to do any development in the state."
Mamata Banerjee met with Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, upon her arrival in New Delhi ahead of the NITI Aayog meeting.
Before leaving for Delhi, Banerjee emphasized she would protest the political discrimination faced by Bengal at the NITI Aayog meeting.
"I will protest against the political discrimination being done to Bengal in the NITI Aayog meeting. The budget has discriminated against Bengal and other opposition states, and we can't agree to that," Banerjee remarked.
She accused BJP ministers and leaders of attempting to divide Bengal and impose economic and geographical blockades.
"The attitude of BJP ministers and leaders is such that they want to divide Bengal. Along with the economic blockade, they also want to impose a geographical blockade. The minister said this while Parliament was in session. Different leaders are making statements to divide Jharkhand, Bihar, Assam, and Bengal. We strongly condemn this attitude," Banerjee stated.
The NITI Aayog meeting will include Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors of States and Union Territories, Union Ministers as Ex-officio Members and Special Invitees, and the Vice Chairman and Members of NITI Aayog.
This move by Banerjee surprised many, as most Chief Ministers from opposition-led states had decided to boycott the meeting.
Banerjee’s attendance underscores her intent to voice concern over the alleged political and economic discrimination against Bengal and other opposition states, advocating for their rightful due in the budget allocations.