Mamata Banerjee meets PM Narendra Modi, likely to meet President Droupadi Murmu
- Bengal has always accused the BJP-ruled central government of delaying GST dues to states
- In Bengal, the meeting has become a flashpoint between the BJP and the ruling TMC
- On August 7, the West Bengal CM will attend a Niti Aayog meeting, which will be chaired by PM Modi
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. The discussion is likely to revolve around multiple issues, including the dues for Goods and Services Tax (GST), which her government has been demanding for long.
Bengal has always accused the BJP-ruled central government of delaying GST dues to states, especially the ones ruled by the opposition.
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In June, Amit Mitra, principal chief advisor to the West Bengal chief minister alleged that the Centre has not released integrated dues to the tune of Rs 27,000 crore to states.
It is reported that the meeting has set off much speculation, coming days after the arrest of Partha Chatterjee by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The minister, arrested after piles of cash were found at the house of his aide Arpita Mukherjee, was known to be a close confidante of Banerjee.
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In Bengal, the meeting has become a flashpoint between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). The Trinamool has demanded the arrest of state BJP leader Dilip Ghosh for what they called inappropriate remarks against Banerjee and her family.
The West Bengal CM is in Delhi on a four-day visit during which she is likely to meet non-Congress Opposition leaders. Later today, she is all set to meet President Droupadi Murmu.
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On August 7, the chief minister will attend a Niti Aayog meeting, which will be chaired by PM Modi. The governing council meeting will focus on issues related to agriculture, health and economy.
In 2021, Banerjee had skipped the council’s meeting. She is expected to raise the concerns of non-payment of GST dues and federalism issues at this year’s meeting.
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