
Mamata Banerjee accuses Centre, BJP-led states of targeting Bengali speakers, stalling funds
West Bengal
Chief Minister
Mamata Banerjee
on Monday accused the
Central government
and BJP-ruled states of targeting Bengali-speaking citizens by labelling them as Bangladeshis, despite valid identification documents. She made the remarks while addressing the state assembly.
'This has been done by the double engine governments in various states. All Bengali-speaking people are not Bangladeshis,' Banerjee said.
She alleged that individuals with valid documents such as EPIC cards, PAN, and Aadhaar were being harassed. Banerjee also criticised the Centre for halting funds to Bengal under key Central schemes, including
MGNREGA
, PM Awas Yojana, and others.
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According to the Chief Minister, West Bengal has long been denied wages under the 100 days job scheme. She claimed that at least 150 teams from the Centre had visited the state, and all required documentation and clarifications had been submitted, yet funds remained blocked.
'Centre didn't pay a single paisa. Bengal has been deprived in the job cards,' Banerjee said.
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She further stated that the denial of funds was a political decision, not based on merit. Highlighting allegations of corruption in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and other states, she said, 'We know they will not give the money to us.'
Banerjee also accused the opposition of relying on "godi media" and using social media to spread misinformation. She said the opposition deliberately insults her whenever she is in the assembly.
Her comments triggered uproar in the House.
BJP
MLAs staged a walkout and protested outside the Assembly premises. BJP leaders objected to her remarks on social media, calling them personal attacks.
Opposition Chief Whip Shankar Ghosh said, 'Personal attack was made by CM against our MLA.' BJP MLAs Manoj Oraon and Shankar Ghosh were reportedly suspended by the Speaker following the disruption.
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