Sitharaman Calls Out Mamata’s ‘Mic Off’ Claim: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee walked out of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, accusing the organizers of deliberately switching off her microphone when she began speaking about the allocation of funds for the state.
Banerjee expressed her frustration, stating, “I was speaking, and my mic was stopped. I asked, why did you stop me? Why are you discriminating? I am attending the meeting; you should be happy. Instead, you are giving more scope to your party, your government. Only I am here from the opposition, and you are stopping me from speaking. This is not only an insult to Bengal but also to all regional parties.”
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman responded to Banerjee’s allegations, accusing the West Bengal Chief Minister of spreading falsehoods. On her official X account, Sitharaman wrote, “We all heard Hon. CM @MamataOfficial. She spoke for her full allotted time. The screen in front of our tables displayed the time. A few other CMs spoke beyond their allotted time. Upon their request, extra time was allowed without any fuss. No one’s microphone was switched off, particularly not for CM, WB. Mamata ji has chosen to spread falsehoods.”
Sitharaman further elaborated, “I was happy she attended. I was even happier when she said she was speaking for Bengal and, in fact, for the entire opposition. I may agree or disagree with what she had to say. But now, with her making baseless claims outside, I can only conclude that she is making an effort to keep the I.N.D.I alliance happy.”
The incident highlighted the ongoing tensions between the central government and the West Bengal administration, underscoring the broader political conflicts at play. Banerjee’s accusations and Sitharaman’s rebuttal illustrate the contentious nature of Indian politics, where allegations and counter-allegations often shape public discourse.
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