'Aimed at reaping political dividends': Claims BJP as Mamata Walks Out of NITI Aayog Meeting

Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya from the BJP described the incident as a "weak script" orchestrated by Banerjee. He argued, "She was given ample time at the NITI Aayog meeting. Her presence there wasn’t meant to benefit the economic situation of West Bengal but to score political points and create a dramatic exit." He further added, "She chose to present herself as an opposition figure rather than as an administrator."

The BJP in West Bengal has taken a critical stance against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for exiting the NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, labeling the act as a "drama" intended to garner political advantage.

Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya from the BJP described the incident as a "weak script" orchestrated by Banerjee. He argued, "She was given ample time at the NITI Aayog meeting. Her presence there wasn’t meant to benefit the economic situation of West Bengal but to score political points and create a dramatic exit." He further added, "She chose to present herself as an opposition figure rather than as an administrator."

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CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya raised concerns about Banerjee's participation in the meeting, noting that other chief ministers from the INDIA bloc had chosen to skip it. He questioned, "Why did she attend the meeting if she knew the outcome? Her actions seem to suggest she was in Delhi to strike a deal with Narendra Modi. The public will see through the pretense of the situation."

The state Congress criticized Banerjee for attending the meeting without coordinating with other opposition parties. Congress spokesperson Soumya Aich told PTI, "We have no comment on this matter. We had decided to boycott the meeting, but she chose to attend it independently without consulting us."

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During the meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Banerjee walked out, alleging that her speech was abruptly cut off despite her being the only opposition representative present. TMC spokesperson Santanu Sen remarked, "When the sole female Chief Minister of the country began to discuss Bengal's lack of due recognition, her microphone was silenced. This action reflects an effort to suppress the opposition's voice. We strongly denounce this behavior."

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