INDIA vs BJP over Mamata Banerjee’s ‘Mic Muted’ Allegations | Controversy Explains

Mamata Banerjee’s ‘Mic Muted’ Claim Sparks Controversy

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that her microphone was muted during a recent NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This claim has ignited a fierce dispute between the INDIA bloc parties and the ruling BJP.

Allegations and Reactions

Banerjee walked out of the meeting, asserting that her microphone was turned off after just five minutes, while other chief ministers were allowed more time to speak. The BJP swiftly countered these claims, labeling them as false and accusing Banerjee of staging a drama for political gains.

Congress and INDIA Bloc Response

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized the NITI Aayog, calling it a “drumbeater for the non-biological Prime Minister” and accusing it of bias and partisanship. Congress MP Rajeev Shukla and Spokesperson Sachin Rawat also condemned the alleged treatment of Banerjee, comparing it to past instances where opposition voices were suppressed.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya labeled the incident as discriminatory, emphasizing the need for respect for all states and their representatives.

BJP’s Rebuttal

The BJP dismissed Banerjee’s accusations, with BJP leader Locket Chatterjee and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticizing her claims. Sitharaman accused Banerjee of spreading falsehoods to appease the INDIA alliance, while Chatterjee described her actions as theatrical and insincere.

Official Clarifications

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) and BJP leaders stated that Banerjee’s speaking time was adhered to and no microphones were switched off. PIB’s fact-checking refuted the claims, stating that the clock simply indicated the end of her allotted time.

The controversy underscores the ongoing tensions between the INDIA bloc and the BJP, reflecting broader political conflicts and differing perceptions of governmental transparency and fairness.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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