West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee walked out of the NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that she was not given an opportunity to speak.
During the meeting, Banerjee stated that the central government should not discriminate against state governments. She expressed her desire to speak but was only allowed 5 minutes, while others spoke for 10-20 minutes. She felt this was insulting, especially considering she was the only opposition member present.
Banerjee further alleged that the Union Budget was politically biased. She claimed that BJP-ruled states were asked to highlight their achievements and performing departments, while non-performing departments and schemes were not discussed.
Several opposition chief ministers boycotted the meeting, including Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, and all three Congress CMs. Puducherry CM N Rangasamy also did not attend.
Prior to the meeting, Banerjee had called for the scrapping of NITI Aayog and the restoration of the Planning Commission.