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Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
TMC hits back at PM Modi's claims, poses 5 counter questions
Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of diverting attention from the BJP-led Centre's failures, the Trinamool Congress ( TMC ) on Thursday posed five 'counter-questions' in response to the PM's remarks about crises allegedly affecting West Bengal. In a post on X, the party called upon the PM to first "fix the mess" in Manipur, which had witnessed severe law and order problems for over two years. "Modi ji listed 5 'Sankats'. Let's talk facts," the TMC said in its official X handle. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Instalá tu kit rápido y sin cables, en el día. Alarmas Verisure Ver oferta Undo Coming to other posers, the party said, " Women's safety ? From Unnao to Hathras, @BJP4India's track record is soaked in silence and shame." "Youth hopelessness? Paper leaks, NEET scam, and 45 per cent unemployment - BJP's national gift to students," the regional party said. Live Events "Corruption? Half your Cabinet is out on bail. Irony died a slow death," the party said, turning the corruption charge towards the Modi cabinet. The party also reiterated the claim that "Bengal was denied MGNREGA and Awas Yojana funds due to your (Modi) government's vendetta politics." Launching a blistering attack on the TMC government in West Bengal, Modi on Thursday said the state is "plagued" by violence, corruption and lawlessness, and asserted that people are now yearning for change from the "Nirmam sarkar" (cruel government). Addressing a rally in Alipurduar, Modi said incidents of communal violence in Murshidabad and Malda are grim reminders of the TMC regime's "cruelty and indifference" to the sufferings of ordinary citizens. "Today, West Bengal is grappling with a series of crises. People don't want 'Nirmam Sarkar'. They want change and good governance. That is why the whole of Bengal is saying they don't want cruelty and corruption anymore," Modi said. "First is the widespread violence and lawlessness that are tearing apart the fabric of society. Second is the growing sense of insecurity among mothers and sisters, compounded by horrific crimes committed against them," the PM said. Modi said the third crisis in Bengal is the deepening despair among the youth, driven by rising unemployment and lack of opportunities, while the fourth is the "pervasive corruption" that is eroding public trust in the system. "The fifth crisis stems from the self-serving politics of the ruling party, which is stripping the poor of their rightful entitlements. Incidents in Murshidabad and Malda are stark examples of the cruelty of the TMC government and its failure to maintain law and order," he said. PTI Howrah: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addresses the media, at State Secretariat in Howrah. (PTI Photo) *** Local Caption ***
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mamata skips Niti meet to protest Centre's ‘withholding of Bengal's dues'
Kolkata: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and state finance minister Chandrima Bhattacharya skipped the 10th governing council meeting of Niti Aayog in Delhi on Saturday "as a mark of protest against the deprivation of Bengal", Trinamool said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Former Bengal finance minister Amit Mitra, now a special adviser to the CM on finance, was also absent. He had previously represented Bengal at such meetings. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh, pointing to "the central govt's withholding of funds owed to Bengal", said the dues had been kept pending for the past couple of years. The PM "speaks about working in unison but when it comes to Bengal, Centre does not provide the dues", he added. Ghosh was speaking at a presser at Trinamool Bhavan. The CM had written "innumerable letters to the PM for the release of funds", Ghosh said, adding that "it is time to release Bengal's dues", which stood at over Rs 1.7 lakh crore. Highlighting the "central govt's neglect towards Bengal" as one of the reasons for Banerjee's absence at the Niti meet, Ghosh said: "The PM talks about working together with all states… taxes are collected from Bengal but the state's dues for 100-days' work are not released." He said the Bengal CM had provided Rs 37,000 crore to 5.9 million job card holders entirely from the state's coffers. "The central govt hasn't released funds for 1.2 million housing units, which Mamata Banerjee is also funding from Bengal's exchequer," he said. Last July, CM Banerjee had staged a walkout from the Niti meeting, alleging she was "humiliated" and that her "microphone was disconnected" after she slammed Union Budget 2024 about five minutes into her address. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The CM had said that even after being allowed to speak for 5 minutes, "there was a constant ringing sound, asking me to stop midway, and I had to stop". It stirred a nationwide anti-BJP issue, which was supported by other opposition leaders. Meanwhile, state minister for social welfare, industries and commerce and women and child welfare, Shashi Panja, demanded that Centre clear Bengal's dues immediately. "BJP should say why Bengal is deprived. They have no contribution to the development of Bengal. They are always neglecting Bengal and insulting Bengal. BJP MLAs are not even present during assembly sessions; they only boycott discussions. From Awas Yojana to rural roads, all funds have been blocked by Centre, and the state is now funding the housing scheme. " Panja also targeted Centre over the lack of security for tourists in Pahalgam even as she branded BJP for promoting hate politics. "BJP should stop spreading fake narratives," she said.
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Mamata Banerjee's absence from NITI Aayog meet draws flak from Opposition
The absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the 10th Governing Council meeting of the NITI Aayog in New Delhi on Saturday (May 24, 2025) drew sharp criticism from Opposition parties, particularly in light of pending central funds to the State under key schemes. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was attended by several Chief Ministers, including M.K. Stalin (Tamil Nadu), Bhagwant Mann (Punjab), Revanth Reddy (Telangana), and Hemant Soren (Jharkhand). The theme of the session was Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat @2047, and marked the first such interaction since Operation Sindoor and the subsequent conflict with Pakistan. Ms. Banerjee had previously walked out of a NITI Aayog meeting in July 2024, alleging that she had been denied an opportunity to speak. Following that incident, she had announced her decision to abstain from future meetings of the policy think tank. Also Read | Chandrababu Naidu proposes formation of sub-groups on GDP growth, population management and tech-driven governance Reacting to her absence, BJP Rajya Sabha MP and party spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya termed it 'unfortunate' and said that the Chief Minister had prioritised her 'political ego' over the interests of the State. 'The financial vulnerability of West Bengal is at an alarming stage. Unemployment and migrant labour from the State are major concerns. The Chief Minister should have used this platform to seek solutions in collaboration with the Centre,' Mr. Bhattacharya said. 'Instead, she missed a crucial opportunity to present West Bengal's pressing concerns.' Congress leader and former State unit president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury echoed the sentiment. 'She complains about funds not being disbursed to the State. She should have raised the issue at the meeting. If the Centre did not concede, she could have staged a protest there itself,' he said. In defence of the Chief Minister's decision, Trinamool Congress vice-president Jay Prakash Majumdar said the CM had no reason to attend a forum where she was not allowed to speak. 'Last year, it was proved that the Union government did not desire to listen to what our Chief Minister wanted to say, and hence her microphone was switched off mid-speech. This was an insult. Why would she attend only to face such indignity again?' Mr. Majumdar said. On the same day, political sparring continued over the issue of stalled funds to West Bengal. The BJP's West Bengal unit claimed on social media that ₹41,883 crore had been disbursed to the State under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana. The Trinamool Congress, however, issued a pointed rebuttal, stating, 'This is an OPEN CHALLENGE to @BJP4India: Release WHITE PAPER on fund allocation to Bengal under Awas Yojana post your humiliating defeat in the 2021 Assembly Elections. Let the facts do the talking.' The State continues to claim that disbursement under schemes such as MGNREGA and PMAY has been halted by the Centre.
News18
24-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Decoding PM Modi's Rural Empowerment Drive And The Politics Of Development
Last Updated: With a 'whole-of-government' push, the Centre aims to reshape rural India into a hub of opportunity and prosperity under Viksit Bharat 2047 Prime Minister Modi headed the 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting, 'Viksit Bharat 2047', to discuss rural development, expansion of the Aspirational Blocks Programme, and the Viksit Bharat 2047 goals. Chief Ministers of all states and Union Territories, along with their respective Lieutenant Governors, were present. Deliberations were held on the country's roadmap to achieving the Modi government's 'Viksit Bharat @2047' vision. The overarching theme of 'Viksit Bharat' is intertwined with the aspiration of a developed rural India. The Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025, themed 'Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047', links the prosperity of villages to the nation's progress, encapsulated in the motto, 'Village grows, the country grows". The objective is to empower rural populations by converting villages into dynamic centres of growth, offering opportunities, mitigating outward migration, and enhancing the quality of life. There is a dual approach to rural empowerment under the Viksit Bharat initiative, focusing on both foundational infrastructure and economic enablement. Universal toilet access under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the construction of pucca houses via the PM Awas Yojana, and the provision of clean drinking water through the Jal Jeevan Mission have ensured basic amenities. With approximately 4 lakh kilometres of rural roads constructed over the past decade under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, connectivity has also been bolstered. Over 94 per cent of rural households now have access to telephones, mobile banking, and UPI, integrating rural India into the modern economy. Common Service Centres have expanded to 5 lakh from fewer than 1 lakh before 2014. They provide online access to numerous government services, aiding village development and generating employment opportunities. These advancements are foundational to creating an environment for rural prosperity and well-being. Economic revitalisation has received significant focus. Approximately Rs 3 lakh crore has been disbursed under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi; agricultural loans have also seen a substantial increase, and many Kisan Credit Cards have been issued to provide financial support to farmers. Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) have been promoted to ensure better market access and prices for agricultural produce. Efforts are also underway to promote natural farming and diversify rural incomes through improved irrigation and the creation of rural enterprises. The strategy actively seeks to promote non-agricultural livelihoods as well. It involves establishing service-sector-based manufacturing hubs in smaller towns and expanding opportunities within the MSME and informal sectors in rural areas. The Vishwakarma Yojana scheme helps support traditional crafts. Furthermore, rural MSMEs have reportedly benefited from schemes providing collateral-free loans and support for start-ups. The inclusion of green economy opportunities, particularly in renewable energy, is another area for job creation and sustainable growth. Human Development and the Political Narrative Access to healthcare facilities through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and the benefits of telemedicine in rural areas have increased. Concurrently, education facilities have been bolstered as part of the Viksit Bharat mission. Since 2014, improvements in educational access have led to increased enrolment, including a significant rise in female enrolment, and enhanced research output from higher education institutions. However, the political discourse surrounding human development, particularly education and health, is evolving. As basic infrastructure becomes more widespread, political focus is shifting towards issues of quality of life, positioning education, health, climate change, and the environment as potential areas for political mobilisation by the opposition. While the government highlights progress, the opposition seeks to delegitimise that progress by politicising the nature of development. Implementation Challenges and Future Trajectory The year 2047, as envisioned by the Modi government, is to mark the transformation of rural India into an epicentre of economic activity. The 'whole-of-government' approach, with seamless coordination across various ministries and levels of government, is ensuring that the vision progresses towards its objectives. 'Development from the periphery', focusing on empowering border regions and rural fringes, is a highlight of a government working for the people and reaching the most hard-to-reach villages. The long-term impact hinges on overcoming entrenched issues such as regional disparities, skill gaps, and ensuring the sustainability of economic activities in rural areas. However, achievements such as the reduction in rural poverty and the empowerment of women through initiatives like Lakhpati Didis show that we are moving in the right direction. First Published:
Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Ahead of 2026 Bengal Assembly elections, TMC to campaign success of Banglar Bari scheme
Following West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's disbursement of the second instalment under the Banglar Bari housing scheme for 12 lakh beneficiaries, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders took to social media to highlight the initiative's scale, financial details, and the state's 'commitment' to housing for all. With the 2026 Assembly elections approaching, TMC plans to take the success of Banglar Bari to the grassroots level. Party leaders will stress that despite the Central government stopping funds under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) over two years ago, the state independently implemented Banglar Bari. In the first phase, homes were provided to 12 lakh families, while the second phase will cover another 16 lakh. Announcing the latest disbursement, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted on X: 'We are proud that our state government, entirely with its own funds, is providing… Rs 1,20,000 per family in two instalments under the 'Banglar Bari (Gramin)' scheme to 12 lakh poor and eligible families… The first instalment (of) Rs 7,200 crore was disbursed last December. Today, the second instalment of Rs 7,200 crore has begun being directly credited to their bank accounts. Thus, I am happy to say our government has spent a total of Rs 14,400 crore from its own funds for the construction of houses under this scheme. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone.' She added that another 16 lakh families will receive housing assistance—first instalments in December this year, and the second in May 2026. Commenting on the state's independent approach, AITC leader Kunal Ghosh said, 'When Delhi creates roadblocks, Bengal finds its own path to become swanirbhar. The Centre withheld MGNREGA funds, yet Mamata Banerjee released Rs 3,700 crore from the state treasury to 59 lakh job card-holders. Similarly, when Awas Yojana funds were blocked, she launched Banglar Bari—a fully state-funded scheme—to provide homes to 12 lakh people. That's why we say: Mamata Banerjee's guarantee means 100% warranty.' Referring to the party's protest in Delhi over withheld Central funds, TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose said, 'When our leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee, went to Delhi to demand Bengal's dues, they were harassed. But Bengal will not bow to the Modi government's anti-Bengal attitude. Despite the Centre withholding Awas Yojana funds, the state is disbursing money under Banglar Bari to 12 lakh families.' The party's official handle posted on X: 'Bengal is self-reliant. We don't need the Centre's charity. With Awas Yojana funds frozen by the Modi government, (CM Banerjee) launched Banglar Bari. Now, the second instalment of Rs 60,000 is being rolled out to 12 lakh families, totaling Rs 14,400 crore.' A senior TMC leader said, 'We believe this campaign will resonate with poorer communities in remote areas. People who've received houses will support TMC, and we expect our vote share to rise.'
