Mamata Banerjee releases song for Chhath Puja, played at ghats across Bengal
Speculation has arisen regarding the central government's intentions to directly control the panchayat system, following remarks by Biman Banerjee, Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. Banerjee claimed that during the All India Speakers Conference, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha suggested introducing a central law to govern the panchayat system.
This has fueled concerns that the central government may be looking to exercise greater control over local governance. Banerjee has voiced his opposition to such a move, arguing that it reflects a similar approach to the "one nation, one election" idea.
He believes that this proposed centralization could undermine the autonomy of state-run panchayat bodies, and limit the state government’s ability to oversee rural governance. The prospect of a central law for panchayats has sparked political debate, with opposition leaders cautioning against any erosion of decentralized governance.
The speculation has gained traction in the context of ongoing discussions around governance models, and the central government's role in state affairs. While there has been no formal proposal as of yet, the idea has raised concerns over the balance of power between the center and states in managing local bodies.