The government has firmly denied West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s claim that her microphone was switched off during the NITI Aayog meeting. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman refuted Banerjee’s allegations, stating that all Chief Ministers were given a pre-determined speaking time, which was displayed on screens in front of each table. The Finance Minister also criticized Banerjee for making false claims and urged her to speak the truth instead of spreading misinformation.
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) corroborated the government’s stance by issuing a fact-check on social media, clarifying that the clock merely indicated the end of Banerjee’s allotted speaking time, not an intentional silencing of her microphone.
Banerjee’s allegations sparked controversy, with her stating that she felt insulted and would no longer participate in future meetings. She claimed that the government was discriminating against certain states and argued for a more equitable treatment of all regions.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin voiced his support for Banerjee, questioning the government’s approach and emphasizing the importance of cooperative federalism. Stalin asserted that the government must recognize the crucial role of opposition parties in democracy and treat them with respect, rather than silencing their voices. He stressed that cooperative federalism requires open dialogue and respect for all perspectives.
