Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's protest, demanding West Bengal's pending funds from the Centre for various social welfare schemes, continued overnight, braving the cold weather. The demonstration, led by Banerjee and members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), began on Friday afternoon in front of BR Ambedkar's statue in Kolkata's Maidan area.
During the night, state ministers such as Firhad Hakim and Aroop Biswas joined Banerjee at the protest site. In the morning, Banerjee took a walk at the nearby Red Road and visited a basketball ground. Despite the thick blanket of fog in the area, Banerjee walked with her security personnel. She also interacted with players at the basketball ground, showing interest in the sport and the equipment used.
Banerjee's demonstration asserts that the BJP-led central government owes the state substantial amounts for various welfare schemes, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PM Awas Yojana).
The protest is scheduled to last for 48 hours until Sunday, coinciding with the commencement of the state's budget session on Monday. The Chief Minister's efforts are aimed at drawing attention to the alleged financial dues owed to West Bengal by the central government.
(With Agency Inputs)
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