Mamata Banerjee to meet PM Modi over pending dues amid funding dispute

New Delhi: Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to address the ongoing dispute regarding pending dues owed to the state. This meeting unfolds amidst a significant tussle concerning the alleged withholding of central funds to Bengal.

Seeking funds for Banglar Bari

In a press statement before her departure to New Delhi on Sunday, Ms. Banerjee voiced her concerns, accusing the Centre of halting all funds for Bengal, including those designated for the housing program Banglar Bari.

"They have stopped the rural roads program. Even though it is a Central government scheme, the entire cost is not borne by the Centre. It is done jointly by the state and centre. Whatever money they collect from here, we have a share, as there is only one tax, which is the GST," Mamata Banerjee highlighted.

Centre discontnued funds for health department 

Furthermore, she asserted that the Centre has discontinued funds for the health department. "They say we have to paint everything saffron. They have painted all the metro stations saffron. Near Sukna, they have painted all the buildings saffron. They are telling us every health center has to be painted saffron. Why should we paint it saffron? We have a state brand which is white and blue, and it is not the party color," Mamata Banerjee emphasized.

Paint everything in BJP's colour? Enquires Mamata

"Do we have to put up BJP logos everywhere? And paint it in BJP color? Will people have no independence? They will decide what people will eat. They will decide what people will wear. They will insert whatever they want in the syllabus," added the Chief Minister.

Trinamool Congress, having previously launched an agitation this year over the issue of pending dues. It is now expected to have its National General Secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, who will also be accompanying Mamata Banerjee during the meeting with the Prime Minister.

Earlier in October, Mamata Banerjee, an MP from Diamond Harbour, had led a protest in New Delhi, resulting in a confrontation with the Delhi Police. Several Trinamool MPs, MLAs, and leaders were reportedly manhandled and removed from the protest.

Abhishek Banerjee, acknowledged as Mamata Banerjee's political heir, also joined her at the INDIA Alliance meeting held recently.