Kolkata, February 3: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party, the TMC, spent the night on a dharna (sit-in protest) in Kolkata, demanding the release of West Bengal’s dues from the central government for various social welfare schemes. The demonstration, which started on Friday afternoon, continued overnight despite the cold weather.
Banerjee, accompanied by state ministers Firhad Hakim and Aroop Biswas, among others, set up the protest in front of BR Ambedkar’s statue in Kolkata’s Maidan area. The chief minister alleges that the BJP-led government at the Centre owes the state a significant amount of money for welfare initiatives like the MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) and the PM Awas Yojana (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana).
The central government needs to release the funds that are rightfully owed to West Bengal. We have been waiting for our dues for a long time, and it’s affecting our ability to carry out important social welfare programs, Banerjee stated.
The sit-in protest is scheduled to continue for 48 hours until Sunday when the state’s budget session begins on Monday. Banerjee’s demonstration has gained attention as she tries to highlight the alleged financial discrepancies faced by West Bengal under the current government.
Banerjee’s determination to fight for her state’s rights has garnered support from party members and sympathizers alike. West Bengal has been a political battleground in recent years, with the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha Elections on the horizon. Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) party, which currently holds power in the state, has faced increasing pressure from opposition parties like the BJP.
The demonstration is expected to draw attention to the financial challenges faced by West Bengal and may impact political dynamics as parties gear up for the upcoming elections. The protest also highlights the continued power struggle between the central government and state authorities.
The chief minister’s decision to spend the night on the dharna showcases her commitment to fighting for West Bengal’s rights. Mamata Banerjee, a seasoned politician known for her fiery speeches and strong-willed persona, has often taken to the streets to voice her concerns and connect with the masses.
The sit-in protest in Kolkata brings the issue of West Bengal’s financial dues into the spotlight, emphasizing the need for a resolution. As the demonstration continues, all eyes are on the central government’s response to Banerjee’s demands and the impact it may have on the state’s welfare programs.
While the protest unfolds, supporters hope for a resolution that addresses the financial challenges faced by West Bengal. As the state looks towards the future and upcoming elections, the outcome of this demonstration could hold significant implications for both the political landscape and the lives of its residents.
