Accusing the Narendra Modi government at the Centre of “systematically neglecting” West Bengal, All India Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad said on Thursday that despite the state contributing to the national economy and revenue, “it has been consistently denied its rightful share and support”.
Azad levelled the allegation against the Centre at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to visit West Bengal on Friday.
“I wish to speak on behalf of the people of this region – and the people of West Bengal – who have been systematically neglected, humiliated, and deprived by the central government,” stated the TMC MP.
Highlighting the staggering financial “injustice” faced by the state, he, in a press statement, said West Bengal has over Rs 2.1 lakh crore as pending dues with the central government. “It is not just a financial figure,” he emphasized, pointing to the deeper impact of the withheld funds on the lives of ordinary citizens of the state.
Azad said withholding of funds badly affects vital social welfare schemes.
He also questioned the Central government’s rationale behind halting funds for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) housing scheme.
“The PMAY housing scheme was suddenly halted,” he noted, highlighting the direct impact on the most vulnerable sections of society awaiting essential housing support.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi is set to visit Bihar and West Bengal on Friday, where he will launch a range of developmental projects worth over Rs 12,200 crore.