Will CM Banerjee Meet PM Modi Next Week to Discuss Pending Central Dues?

Synopsis
In a significant political maneuver, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to discuss the critical issue of pending central dues. This meeting could have far-reaching implications for West Bengal, as it seeks to resolve substantial financial discrepancies with the Union government.
Key Takeaways
- CM Banerjee seeks a meeting with PM Modi about pending dues.
- Central dues amount to Rs 1.75 lakh crore.
- Meeting may happen on June 10.
- Discussion involves issues of governance and corruption.
- Potential implications for state-federal relations.
Kolkata, June 5 (NationPress) Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has requested an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi next week to address the outstanding central dues owed to the West Bengal government for various centrally-sponsored initiatives.
A message has already been sent from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to secure this meeting, according to a source from the state secretariat.
The communication indicates that June 10 is the suggested date for the meeting with the Prime Minister.
If the PMO grants the appointment, CM Banerjee plans to travel to New Delhi on the evening of June 9.
During her visit, she is also expected to meet with her party's MPs in both Houses of Parliament.
However, insiders from the state secretariat have mentioned that it is unlikely for CM Banerjee to meet any leaders from the INDIA bloc during her upcoming trip to the national capital.
In her recent public rallies, CM Banerjee has consistently criticized the Union government, alleging that the state has yet to receive Rs 1.75 lakh crore in central dues related to various centrally-sponsored programs, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
On the other hand, senior BJP officials, such as Amit Malviya, head of the Information Technology Cell and the party's central observer for West Bengal, have claimed that the Centre was compelled to halt the disbursement of new funds under these schemes due to evident misappropriation of previously released funds.
Prime Minister Modi, during a political rally in Alipurduar district last week, openly criticized the West Bengal government regarding corruption issues.
He asserted that the local populace is suffering from a lack of basic services provided under these centrally-sponsored programs, a situation he attributes to rampant corruption among Trinamool Congress leaders.
Last Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah similarly condemned the West Bengal government during a political rally in Kolkata, echoing these concerns.
IANS
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