Union Minister Slams Opposition for Boycotting NITI Aayog Meeting

Union Minister Piyush Goyal has criticized the opposition for boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting, citing personal enmity towards PM Modi. Goyal accused the opposition of undermining democracy and prioritizing political interests over public welfare.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal has voiced strong criticism against the opposition for boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for July 27, attributing their actions to personal animosity towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing the media on Wednesday, Goyal remarked, 'I believe their (the opposition's) personal animosity towards PM Modi prevents them from considering the needs of their own people. Eight states, including Telangana, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, boycotted last year's NITI Aayog meeting, which focused on Viksit Bharat.'

Goyal further commented, 'They only talk about democracy while holding the Constitution, but their actions show they don't believe in it. They are arrogant about their family names. Misguided by the Congress party, the parties in the INDI alliance are attempting to undermine the democratic system.' Union Minister Bhupender Yadav echoed similar sentiments, expressing his disappointment over the opposition's stance. 'It's unfortunate that Congress and other parties in the INDI alliance are prioritising personal interests over public interest. NITI Aayog is an institution based on the idea of federalism, where developmental works are discussed.'

Yadav emphasized the non-political nature of NITI Aayog and its role in promoting cooperative federalism. 'This boycott politics is unfortunate, especially concerning a forum like NITI Aayog, which is non-political and promotes cooperative federalism. It shows that these people are sidelining the public and their issues,' he added. Karnataka Leader of the Opposition, R Ashoka, also criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday for boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting, stating that the act insulted the 6.5 crore Kannadigas.

In response, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal announced that his party's Chief Ministers would boycott the NITI Aayog meeting, terming the Union Budget 2024 discriminatory. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader MK Stalin, a key Congress ally, also confirmed his absence from the meeting, labeling the budget 'discriminatory.'

(With inputs from agencies.)