Synopsis
On March 11, a heated discussion erupted in the Lok Sabha over the allocation of MGNREGA funds to West Bengal, triggered by remarks from Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee, who challenged the Centre's actions amidst accusations of discrimination against the state.Key Takeaways
- Heated exchange in Lok Sabha over MGNREGA funds.
- Kalyan Banerjee questioned the Centre's ministerial authority.
- Accusations of discrimination against West Bengal.
- Government urged to expedite fund release.
- Claims of misappropriation by the state government.
New Delhi, March 11 (NationPress) The Lok Sabha experienced a contentious debate on Tuesday between the government and opposition members regarding the distribution of funds under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in the Trinamool Congress-governed West Bengal.
The uproar and chanting erupted following a pointed accusation by Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee aimed at the Centre, leading to both sides exchanging heated remarks.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal quickly interjected to voice his strong disapproval of Banerjee's comments, while Speaker Om Birla also urged the Trinamool Congressman to show restraint within the House.
The spark for this charged atmosphere was Kalyan Banerjee's assertion – 'who made you a minister'.
The Trinamool Congress MP questioned the Centre's justification for why West Bengal was “denied” MGNREGA benefits for the past three years, while expressing his frustration over a “provocative gesture” from the ruling party.
The tension escalated when Banerjee directed his remarks at Union Minister Giriraj Singh, challenging his “conduct” in the House. This prompted strong protests from the treasury benches.
During the Question Hour in Lok Sabha, Kalyan Banerjee accused the Centre of discriminating against West Bengal's residents and called on the government to expedite the release of funds.
“Why has Bengal been deprived of MGNREGA funds? Why is the state facing discrimination? If there are issues, they must be resolved. It’s unacceptable to deny benefits for three years,” he stated.
“If there are irregularities or fraudulent cases, who has prevented you from taking action? You can’t deny benefits to 10 crore people of Bengal for the sake of 25 lakh cases,” the Trinamool Congress MP continued.
In response to the grievances regarding MGNREGA funds, MoS Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan explained that Central teams faced abuse and harassment during their visits to Bengal, and the state government refused to assist with their investigations.
“You have been raising the same issue for the past six months,” he commented, taking jabs at the Trinamool Congress lawmaker.
The MoS further elaborated that the Central scheme was being “misappropriated,” segmented into smaller parts, and then re-branded as a state initiative by the government led by Mamata Banerjee.
