Disrespect at NITI Aayog: Sanjay Raut Slams Unjust ‘Insult’ to Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Defends Democratic Norms
Sanjay Raut Condemns Disrespect Toward Mamata Banerjee, Highlights Concerns Over Democracy
Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut has criticized the treatment of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at a recent NITI Aayog meeting, calling it harmful to democratic principles. Banerjee walked out of the meeting held on July 27 in New Delhi, chair by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming her speech was unfairly cut short. According to Banerjee, her microphone was muted after five minutes, while other Chief Ministers were allowed to speak for longer. The government, however, asserted that her speaking time was over.
Raut condemned the act as undemocratic, emphasizing that states have multiple issues that need addressing and such actions undermine democratic norms. "Muting the microphone of a Chief Minister is wholly inappropriate in a democracy," he stated.
Banerjee was the sole Opposition leader in attendance at the meeting. Post the event, she alleged that she was silenced prematurely, unlike her counterparts from Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Assam, and Chhattisgarh.
The Shiv Sena leader also expressed dissatisfaction with the distribution of central funds, pointing out that Maharashtra’s Chief Minister returned empty-handed from the meeting. "The funds distributed by the Centre belong to the people and are collected through various taxes. What has Maharashtra received?" Raut questioned, taking a jab at the ruling alliance under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Additionally, Raut touched upon a statement from Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) chief regarding Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He claimed that cases were dropped after the National Democratic Alliance came to power under Narendra Modi’s leadership.
The incident has underscored ongoing tensions between state leaders and the central government, raising concerns about fairness and democratic integrity in India’s political landscape.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/west-bengal-cms-insult-at-niti-aayog-doesnt-suit-democratic-norms-claims-sanjay-raut/article68456374.ece
Category : Maharashtra
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