Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal and the sole representative of the INDIA bloc on Saturday made headlines by walking out of a recent NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that she was not allowed to speak for more than five minutes and her microphone was turned off, while other chief minister were speaking for long. The TMC supremo further alleged that the Union Budget that was presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman was full of political bias.Attack on democratic engagementIn a statement following her departure, Banerjee criticized the move as a clear example of authoritarianism. She argued that being barred from voicing her concerns at such a critical forum is not just a personal slight but a broader attack on democratic engagement and the principles of cooperative federalism.While speaking to ANI, Banerjee said, ...I was speaking, my mic was stopped. I said why did you stop me, why are you discriminating. I am attending the meeting you should be happy instead of that you are giving more scope to your party your government. Only I am there from the opposition and you are stopping me from speaking...This is not only the insult of Bengal but also of all regional parties...#WATCH | Delhi: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says, ...I was speaking, my mic was stopped. I said why did you stop me, why are you discriminating. I am attending the meeting you should be happy instead of that you are giving more scope to your party your government. Only I am… pic.twitter.com/53U8vuPDpZ— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2024She also alleged that BJP ministers and leaders want to divide Bengal while imposing economic and geographical blockades on the state.The incident has sparked a vigorous debate across political circles and media platforms. Supporters of Banerjee argue that this is a blatant attempt to silence opposition voices and undermine the very essence of democratic discourse. They contend that such actions reveal a deep-seated disregard for the principles of inclusivity and respect that should underpin national governance.On the other hand, proponents of the ruling BJP have defended the decision, suggesting that procedural issues or strategic decisions might have influenced the outcome.Meanwhile, there are several chief ministers including Punjabs Bhagwant Mann and Telanganas Reventh Reddy have boycotted the NITI Aayog meeting in a protest for the alleged injustice to the state in the allocation of the funds in the Union Budget 2024.
