Political Drama Unfolds as Mamata Banerjee Walks Out of NITI Aayog Meeting

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee exited a NITI Aayog meeting midway, sparking criticism from opposition parties, including BJP and Congress. The BJP labeled her actions as 'drama' for political gains, while CPI(M) questioned her attendance. TMC defended her, citing suppression of opposition voices.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee walked out of a NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, prompting sharp criticism from opposition parties, particularly the BJP, which termed the move a 'drama' aimed at political gains.

BJP's Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya described the incident as a 'weak script' intended by Banerjee to seek political dividends and accused her of not attending the meeting for the economic benefit of West Bengal. 'She portrayed herself as an opposition leader and not an administrator,' he remarked.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya questioned the rationale behind Banerjee's attendance, emphasizing that other chief ministers from the INDIA bloc avoided the meeting. The state Congress also criticized Banerjee for not consulting other opposition parties before joining the meeting. In her defense, TMC spokesperson Santanu Sen claimed that Banerjee was unfairly silenced, underscoring the suppression of opposition voices.

(With inputs from agencies.)