Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday demanded the abolition of NITI Aayog, the central government think tank established by the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in 2015. She advocated for the reinstatement of the Planning Commission, the body previously responsible for formulating Five-Year Plans.
“Stop this NITI Aayog. It does not do anything other than convene meetings. Bring back the Planning Commission,” Banerjee stated in the capital, a day before attending the NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
When questioned about her decision to attend the NITI Aayog meeting despite some of her alliance partners boycotting it, Banerjee explained, “There was no need to come, and I had initially canceled my program due to their budget. But Abhishek and others convinced me, and I spoke to Hemant (Soren) who is also coming.”
Banerjee emphasized the need for better coordination and federalism, stating, “Every state has its priorities, but I believe in federalism. The BJP wants to break up the country. Their leaders are talking of dividing,” referring to Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar’s remark about north Bengal.
Majumdar had proposed to PM Modi that northern West Bengal, due to its similarities with the Northeast region, be included under the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) to facilitate more development funds for various projects in the area.
Banerjee criticized the BJP for allegedly depriving opposition-ruled states, saying, “If the BJP doesn’t listen to the verdict of the people, then it is their choice. All opposition-ruled states are deprived. You can give special packages to your friends but can’t deprive others.”
She also questioned the longevity of the NDA government, adding, “I am not sure how long they will last, but let them work for the people as long as they are in power.”
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader M.K. Stalin, Kerala’s CM and CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan, as well as Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab and Delhi governments, have also announced their decision to boycott the meeting.
