West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Monday that the state government would incur revenue losses to the tune of Rs 20,000 crore in the wake of the roll-out of the new GST regime and that the Central government was taking undue credit for the move.

Speaking at a Durga Puja inauguration in Kolkata, the Chief Minister said, “This money has simply been cut from our GST share. Again, a revenue loss of Rs 20,000 crore has been inflicted on us. How will I run the state in such circumstances? But I am happy that at least people will benefit from this. But no compensation has been given (to states). The so-called ‘double-engine government’ will quietly take it back through the backdoor.”

She added, “Will they return our money? Funds for nearly everything — 100 days work, for Awas Yojana, roads, Jal Swapno, and for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan — have been stalled.”

Invoking “Bangali asmita” (Bangali pride) while alluding to the issue of alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking migrants in some BJP-ruled states, Banerjee said, “I love and respect all languages. But no one can disrespect our language. When we say ‘Jai Hind’ or ‘Vande Mataram,’ we also say Joy Bangla. Always remember that.”

“I will take up the GST issue again. But let me make it clear — the Central government should not take credit for this. I was the first to write a letter to the Centre demanding that insurance be exempt from GST. Many life-saving medicines and small items had GST. The Centre has not spent a single penny for this relief, it has all come from the coffers of state governments. They take the credit, but we have borne the cost.”

In an address to the nation on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said a “GST savings festival” will begin from the first day of ‘Navratri’ on Monday, which, coupled with the income tax exemption, will be a “double bonanza” for most people.

The Trinamool Congress chief further said, “Most of the media channels are under their control. But I will place the truth before the people. I will even place advertisements to make sure people know about the losses we have suffered from.”

Striking a nostalgic note with the audience, she said she spent her childhood time in the area where the puja was being held. “As long as I am alive, I will keep coming here. This para (area) feels like my own neighbourhood. The work they have done is so beautiful. From the culture of the adivasis to the traditions of every region, everything has been included here.”

People across different communities —Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians — take part in the Durga Puja festivities in the state, she said, adding that it reflected the true cosmopolitan nature of the festivities.

“Please be respectful of others, their culture, dialect, and heritage. Don’t fall prey to the machinations of those who divide us. Please don’t insult anyone,” she told the gathering.

With PTI inputs