CM Mamata to skip PM's Kolkata Metro inauguration event: Sources

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has decided not to attend the inaugural ceremony for three new metro routes in Kolkata on August 22. The event is set to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but Banerjee will not be present. The decision comes despite an official invitation from the railways, underscoring the deep-seated political differences between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the central government.

Sources close to the Chief Minister indicate that her decision stems from several principled reasons. A key factor is her protest against what she terms "linguistic terror" directed at Bengali-speaking Indians in other states, allegedly with the backing of the central government. Banerjee believes that given the ongoing protests and the charged atmosphere, sharing a stage with central government officials would be inappropriate and a betrayal of her people.

Secondly, the Chief Minister feels that the BJP is attempting to take undue credit for projects she initiated during her time as the Union Railway Minister. She claims that these metro projects were planned and allocated funds under her leadership. After significant delays, the BJP is now rushing to inaugurate them right before an election to gain political mileage, having sent her a mere "routine invitation" without acknowledging her role in their inception.

Furthermore, a third reason for her non-attendance is related to past experiences. The Chief Minister has previously attended central government events out of respect for the constitutional office, only to face what she describes as "planned chaos" and "insulting behavior" from BJP supporters. She feels that the BJP engages in cheap politics that is unbefitting for a government function and has chosen to avoid providing them with another opportunity for such behavior.

This decision is rooted in a broader political context. Banerjee has consistently accused the BJP of plotting against Bengal, especially since the party's electoral defeat in the state. She believes that the central government's vindictive actions—such as stopping the state's rightful dues—have now extended to a new form of "linguistic terror," where Bengalis are being labeled "Bangladeshis" simply for speaking their language.