Mamata Banerjee to meet PM Modi on June 9 over Bengal’s pending central funds

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to visit Delhi on June 9 for a two-day trip ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament. The visit aims to address pending financial issues between the state and the central government. Banerjee is expected to return on June 11 after discussions in the national capital.

During her Delhi visit, Mamata Banerjee may seek a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The primary agenda is expected to be the release of pending dues owed by the Centre to West Bengal. These dues relate to funds under various central schemes and welfare projects meant for the state’s development and public welfare.

BJP leader Jagannath Chattopadhyay called the visit a gesture of federal courtesy. He questioned why Mamata did not attend the recent NITI Aayog meeting in Delhi where other opposition-ruled states such as Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab participated and met with the Prime Minister. He stated, “In the last 11 years, the Modi government has provided over ₹8 lakh crore to West Bengal. The Chief Minister should present an account of how this fund was spent. The central government sends money for the welfare of the people, not for personal use.”

The CPI(M) raised questions about Mamata’s approach to meetings with the Prime Minister. The party asked why she avoids attending multi-party meetings called by the Centre and prefers private discussions. They questioned what issues she has to discuss with the Prime Minister that cannot be said in front of other officials or Chief Ministers.