Mamata storms out of NITI meet.accuses Centre of discrimination

Immediately after I spoke of Bengal's dues & stated that this Budget has nothing but zero...the mic was switched off"

- PRADIP CHATTERJEE

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee walked out of the NITI Aayog meeting on Saturday accusing the Centre of discrimination as she was allegedly cut off during her speech at the meet.

Claiming she was representing the Oppositionruled states, Banerjee alleged that she was stopped midway in her speech in unfair ways which was a deliberate attempt to malign the Opposition.

Vowing that she would think if she would attend any future meeting, Banerjee upped the ante against the Central government and alleged that discriminatory practice was adopted while allocating time to Opposition representatives.

Upon walking out she emphasised the importance of states’ role during the crisis and also criticised the withholding of funds. After walking out of the meeting, Banerjee told the media in Delhi: “I raised questions about why they discriminated against other states in the Budget. I told them that I was speaking for only 5 minutes. They have stopped all welfare projects for Bengal and deprived the state of its rightful Awas Yojana and rural roads scheme. They have also stopped the food subsidy. We are deprived of funds worth Rs 1.71 lakh crore. This Budget has nothing but zero... Immediately after I said this, the mic was switched off.”