West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting a meeting in New Delhi between December 18 and 20 to discuss the pending central dues for the state. Banerjee stated that if the prime minister does not grant her the meeting, she will explore other options. During her visit to north Bengal, she mentioned that the central government has not been fulfilling their financial obligations, particularly regarding the 100-day work scheme.
Additionally, Banerjee revealed her plans to visit New Delhi from December 17 to 20 and participate in a meeting of the Opposition INDIA bloc. She emphasized her request for an appointment with the prime minister on any of the days from the 18th to the 20th of the month.
Banerjee highlighted that the central government has been withholding funds from various state departments, including the health department. Despite the lack of financial support, she affirmed that the state has continued its welfare schemes. She also pointed out the issue of the Centre collecting GST without distributing the state’s share.
In past instances, Banerjee has taken drastic actions to bring attention to the state’s financial grievances. Notably, she staged an overnight protest in front of the BR Ambedkar statue in March and her nephew, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, led demonstrations in New Delhi and Kolkata to demand the release of central dues, particularly for the MGNREGS program.
