Mamata Banerjee Walks Out of Niti Aayog Meet Over Muted Mic

Overview of the Niti Aayog Meeting

On July 27, 2024, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee walked out of a crucial Niti Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This dramatic exit was marked by allegations of procedural injustice, specifically claims that her microphone was muted when she attempted to discuss central funds for West Bengal. Banerjee’s departure has sparked a heated debate over the fairness of the meeting and the treatment of opposition leaders.

Details of the Walkout Incident

Mamata Banerjee, the only Chief Minister from an opposition-ruled state in attendance, expressed frustration over the handling of her speech. According to Banerjee, her microphone was cut off while she was addressing the issue of inadequate central funds for West Bengal. She claimed that other chief ministers were given more time to speak, citing disparities in speaking durations as evidence of bias.

“I was allowed only five minutes to speak, whereas Chandrababu Naidu was given twenty minutes. Chief Ministers from Assam, Goa, and Chhattisgarh spoke for 10 to 12 minutes. I protested and left,” Banerjee stated. Her comments were directed at what she described as an insult to Bengal and other regional parties.

Government’s Response

Government sources have contested Banerjee’s claims. They argue that her allotted speaking time had concluded and that her turn would have resumed after lunch. According to official statements, Banerjee was scheduled as the seventh speaker due to a special request from the West Bengal government for an early departure.

The government sources emphasized that Banerjee’s concerns regarding her speaking time were addressed according to the schedule, and there was no deliberate attempt to silence her.

Banerjee’s Call for Reform

During her remarks, Banerjee reiterated her call for the dissolution of the Niti Aayog and the reinstatement of the Planning Commission. She criticized the Niti Aayog for lacking financial authority and argued that it was ineffective in addressing the needs of various states.

“The Niti Aayog has no financial powers. It cannot function effectively in its current form. Either grant it financial powers or restore the Planning Commission,” she asserted.

Opposition States’ Boycott

In a related development, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also abstained from the Niti Aayog meeting. Bihar’s representation was limited to Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha. The opposition states’ boycott was part of a broader protest against what they consider a biased Union Budget that favors NDA-aligned states.

Implications of the Incident

The incident at the Niti Aayog meeting highlights ongoing tensions between the central government and opposition states. Banerjee’s walkout has intensified criticism of the Union Budget and the Niti Aayog’s role. The opposition’s protest underscores the perceived inequities in financial allocations and representation.

Mamata Banerjee’s walkout from the Niti Aayog meeting has brought significant attention to the issues of central funding and procedural fairness. The contrasting perspectives of the West Bengal Chief Minister and government officials illustrate the deepening divide between the central government and opposition leaders. As the debate continues, the future of cooperative federalism and the role of the Niti Aayog remain contentious topics.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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