Kolkata, January 27, 2024: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Centre, demanding the clearance of outstanding dues, failing which the party would launch a large-scale protest. The announcement was made during a Republic Day celebration event at Raj Bhavan.
Ms. Banerjee expressed her concern over the pending funds, stating, “If the central government does not clear the funds, then we (TMC) will initiate a massive protest.” According to figures provided by the West Bengal government, the Centre owes the state substantial amounts under various schemes, including ₹9,330 crore for PMAY, ₹6,900 crore for MGNREGA, ₹830 crore for the National Health Mission, ₹770 crore for PM Gram Sadak Yojna, ₹350 crore for the Swachh Bharat Mission, and ₹175 crore for mid-Day Meals.
The Chief Minister had previously met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 20 to discuss the issue of pending central funds. Following the meeting, PM Modi suggested that officials from both the state and Centre collaborate to address the concerns.
In response to the delayed release of funds, a team of state government officers visited New Delhi earlier this week and met their central counterparts. They submitted a detailed report on alleged irregularities in the 100 days’ work scheme, along with measures taken to address these issues. The delegation also met with the Union Ministry of Rural Development Secretary, Shailesh Kumar Singh.
This is not the first time the TMC has raised concerns over the delay in the release of central funds. In November, TMC MLAs, led by Mamata Banerjee, staged a protest within the state assembly premises. The party’s national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, had also led a protest dharna in New Delhi on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, demanding the release of funds by the Centre.
Responding to the latest development, senior BJP leader Rahul Sinha took a jibe at Mamata Banerjee, saying, “Bhaipo (nephew) has stopped giving calls for a movement on the same issue after finding no support among people. Now pishi (aunt) has decided to prop up the same issue which has already been rejected by the public.”
As the deadline approaches, the political landscape in West Bengal remains tense, with the possibility of a significant protest looming on the horizon.
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