A Heated Political Clash
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's walkout from the NITI Aayog meeting on July 27 sparked a heated political clash. Banerjee alleged that her microphone was muted and she was not allowed to speak beyond a certain time. However, her claims were denied by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, officials, and BJP leaders.
Sitharaman stated that Banerjee was heard by everyone and that her microphone was not turned off. She added that Banerjee could have requested to continue speaking if her time was over, as other Chief Ministers did. However, Banerjee chose to use it as an excuse to leave the meeting.
The Press Information Bureau Fact Check also refuted Banerjee's claims, stating that the clock only showed that her speaking time was over and that the bell was not rung to mark it.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury termed Banerjee's allegations as a lie. He stated that Banerjee knew what would happen at the meeting and had a script prepared. He also wrote to President Droupadi Murmu, alleging that West Bengal was in an "anarchic condition" due to the ruling party's actions.
The incident has further strained the relationship between the West Bengal government and the central government, with both sides accusing each other of political maneuvering.