Mamata Banerjee's all-night protest: Demands pending Bengal dues

Amidst chilling temperatures, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee persisted in her protest demanding dues for Bengal overnight on Red Road. Commencing the demonstration in front of Bhimrao Ambedkar's statue on Friday afternoon, Mamata, accompanied by Trinamool leaders including ministers Firhad Hakim and Arup Biswas, stayed overnight at the protest site. The protest continued into Saturday morning, where Mamata engaged in a morning walk on Red Road, also trying her hand at basketball. The Chief Minister claimed that the BJP-led central government owes substantial amounts for various welfare schemes, including the state's MNREGA and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The protest is set to continue until Sunday, with the state budget session scheduled to begin on Monday.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's relentless protest on Red Road, demanding dues for Bengal, unfolded through the night and ventured into the morning hours. The demonstration, initiated in front of Bhimrao Ambedkar's statue on Friday afternoon, saw Mamata and Trinamool leaders, including ministers Firhad Hakim and Arup Biswas, braving the cold to press for the pending funds owed by the central government. In the morning, Mamata took a stroll on Red Road, amidst dense fog, with her security personnel, where she also spotted a basketball court. Intrigued, she stopped to converse with players, attempting to play basketball herself.

Mamata Banerjee emphasized that the BJP-led central government owes significant amounts, running into thousands of crores, for vital welfare schemes in Bengal. The protest, set to continue until Sunday, aligns with the impending state budget session starting on Monday. Notably, this marks the third major protest by Trinamool on the dues issue ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, reflecting the party's persistent stance on securing rightful funds for the state.