Centre vs State: Mamata Skips NITI Aayog Meeting, BJP Responds Sharply
May 27, 2025
0
Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee did not attend the recent NITI Aayog Meeting. Her ignorance showed new political tension between TMC and BJP. Banerjee said she skipped the
Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee did not attend the recentNITI Aayog Meeting. Her ignorance showed new political tension between TMC and BJP. Banerjee said she skipped the meeting because the Centre is not giving enough importance to the states. She feels the role of states in making decisions is getting fragile. The BJP said she did this for political motives. They warned that this step could hurt Bengal’s growth. This event shows the rising gap between the Centre and the state. It also raises questions about how well the Centre and states are working together.
Skipped the NITI Aayog Meeting: Mamta Banerjee Why?
Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal’s CM chose not to attend the recent NITI Aayog meeting. She said the Centre is not listening to the states properly. According to her, the meeting has become one-sided, with only the Centre making decisions. She feels that states like West Bengal are not getting a fair say in important matters. Banerjee also said that the Centre is not following the spirit of federalism. She believes that attending such meetings will not help if the Centre ignores the states’ views. This is not the first time she has skipped such events. In the past, she also avoided meetings when she felt the Centre would not hear West Bengal’s voice.
TMC’s Reaction to the NITI Aayog Meeting on Federalism and Centre-State Relations
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) strongly supports federalism. The party believes that states should have more power in decision-making. TMC says the Centre is taking too much control and ignoring the states. Mamata Banerjee and her party want equal respect for all states. They argue that the Centre should listen to the states’ needs and opinions. TMC feels that ignoring states harms democracy and development. The party often speaks out against policies that reduce state powers. They want a better balance between the Centre and the states in India.
BJP’s Call on Skipping Niti Aayog Meeting: A Political Move or a Missed Opportunity?
BJP spoke against Mamata Banerjee for not going to the NITI Aayog meeting. They said she avoided the meeting for political reasons. The BJP believes her decision will hurt Bengal’s growth. They said the meeting was a good chance to discuss development plans. According to the BJP, refusing to attend shows a lack of cooperation with the Centre. They warned that this approach will not help West Bengal’s progress. The party urged the state government to work with the Centre instead of opposing it.
NITI Aayog Meeting Snub: Will Bengal’s Development Suffer?
When West Bengal skips important meetings like the NITI Aayog session, it strains the link between the state and the Centre. These meetings benefit states by presenting their problems, requesting support, and giving feedback on national policies. By staying away, the West Bengal government loses a platform to explain what the state needs most — whether it is funds for infrastructure, help in agriculture, or support for health and education.
The Centre often announces new schemes or policies during these meetings. Other states that attend can immediately respond, suggest changes, or ask for special help. Bengal, however, remains out of the discussion. This can lead to delays in getting approvals or funds for key development projects.
The BJP believes this choice shows a lack of interest in working together. They say it is a political move that puts the state’s development at risk. On the other hand, the Trinamool Congress says these meetings are one-sided and that the Centre doesn’t listen to states. Still, proficients warn that not being part of the procedure can isolate the state and reduce its impact.
In the long run, regular absence from such forums can weaken Bengal’s role in national planning. It may also limit Bengal’s access to aid that could improve roads, schools, jobs, and public services. For the people of Bengal, this could mean fewer benefits and slower growth.
NITI Aayog Meeting and Cooperative Federalism in India
NITI Aayog meetings help in boosting cooperative federalism in India. It brings the Centre and all state governments together on one platform. In these meetings, states can share their opinions, raise problems, and suggest opinions. The Centre listens and works with the states to plan for the country’s growth.
When states attend the meeting, it shows cooperation and respect for each other’s roles. It also helps produce trust between the Centre and the states. But when a state misses the meeting, it withers this process. It sends a message that not all voices are part of the federal planning.
Cooperative federalism functions best when both the Centre and the states talk, listen, and make decisions together. The NITI Aayog meeting supports this idea by allowing open discussion and joint planning. For a balanced partnership between Centre and State this meeting is important.
Centre-State Tensions in West Bengal: The Role of NITI Aayog Meetings
West Bengal has usually had a tense relationship with the Centre. This has occurred under different governments. The TMC state leaders have often opposed central policies. Bengal CM has firmly opposed many judgments made by the central government. She has raised her voice against problems like GST, demonetization, and central interference in state matters.
In many cases, West Bengal has rejected to follow central schemes fully. The state has also skipped key meetings like those of the NITI Aayog. These activities show the continuous friction between the two sides. The Centre has sometimes accused the state of not cooperating. At the same time, the state has blamed the Centre for ignoring its needs and reducing its funds.
This back-and-forth has led to delays in projects and created confusion for the people. The history shows a pattern of mistrust and lack of coordination. It also highlights the need for better understanding and communication between the Centre and the state.
Experts’ Opinions and Political Reactions to the NITI Aayog Meeting Boycott
Many experts shared their opinions on Mamata Banerjee skipping the NITI Aayog meeting. Some said it was a lost chance for West Bengal to speak about its needs. Others felt the Chief Minister was right to protest if the Centre was not listening to states. Political leaders also reacted strongly. BJP leaders said Mamata Banerjee was playing politics and ignoring people’s welfare. Trinamool Congress leaders supported her decision. They said the Centre does not respect states and only wants to control them. Some experts said both sides should talk and work together. They believe that open talks are the best way to solve such issues.
NITI Aayog Meeting: The Road to Better Centre-State Dialogue
The NITI Aayog meeting gives a chance for the Centre and states to talk directly. It helps both sides share ideas and solve problems together. If all states take part, it can build better trust and understanding. Open dialogue can reduce tensions and improve teamwork. The Centre should listen to state concerns seriously. States should also take part in planning and give useful suggestions. If both work together, they can make strong decisions for the country. The NITI Aayog meeting can be a helpful tool to bridge the gap between the Centre and the states.
Conclusion
Ignorance of the NITI Aayog meeting shows the rising gap between the Centre and the West Bengal government. The TMC says the Centre does not listen to states. The BJP says skipping the meeting hurts Bengal’s development. These problems show that both sides need to talk more and work together. NITI Aayog meetings are a fair chance for this. If the Centre and states speak truthfully and listen to each other, they can solve problems quickly. This will help in better development for both Bengal and the country. Working together is the best way ahead.