PM Modi jealous of Bengal, says Mamata on Taaza TV's question

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called the Union Budget “politically biased”, “directionless” and “an attempt to make (the BJP’s) NDA partners happy”. She stated that the budget is another example of how the Centre “constantly deprives” West Bengal. Answering Taaza TV's question, CM Mamata said that PM Modi is jealous of Bengal which is why the step-behaviour happens.

The Trinamool Congress leader slammed the NDA-led central government over the issue of special financial packages such as flood relief and reconstruction to states like Bihar and Andhra Pradesh which the TMC claimed is the latest in a series of systemic deprivations for TMC-led West Bengal.

“I have no problem that (the Centre) has given financial packages to Andhra and Bihar. But the law cannot be discriminatory. They have constantly deprived West Bengal. West Bengal is not a small state,” said Banerjee, speaking to the media in the state assembly.

“Our state has faced cyclones like Amphan. They have given (flood relief and reconstruction packages) to neighbouring states but not to Bengal. We are supposed to get Rs 1,71,000 crore as dues from the Centre. They have not given us a paisa. There is no talk of the dues of 100 days of work. The people of West Bengal will rise against this deprivation. We are not weak,” she added.

Addressing the financial grant given to Sikkim which recently saw landslides and natural calamities, the Chief Minister said, “They seek votes from Darjeeling, but after votes, they forget Darjeeling.”