Mamata Banerjee Slams Centre Over Fund Cuts, Takes Swipe at PM Modi on Religion and Aid to Maldives

Mamata Banerjee criticized the Centre for fund denial to Bengal while aiding Maldives. She questioned PM Modi’s focus on religion in domestic policy, contrasting it with international diplomacy. Launching a language protection movement, she opposed NRC and detention camps, vowing to resist what she called linguistic and political marginalization of Bengalis.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking at a rally in Bolpur on Monday, launched a strong attack against the central government, accusing it of deliberately withholding funds meant for Bengal while extending generous financial assistance to foreign nations like the Maldives. Referring to the ₹4,850 crore Line of Credit recently granted to the island nation, Banerjee questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's priorities and raised a sharp rhetorical query: “Did you ask the Maldives president his religion before hugging him?”

Her remarks appeared to criticize the perceived communal politics of the ruling BJP. Banerjee contrasted Modi’s international diplomacy with what she described as domestic discrimination, especially towards Bengal. She argued that if religion does not matter when dealing with foreign leaders, it should not dictate policies within the country either.

She also launched the 'Bhasha Andolan' (Language Movement) at the event, pledging to protect the Bengali language and identity. Alleging a systematic attack on Bengalis across various BJP-ruled states, Banerjee said she would “give up her life, but not allow anyone to snatch her language.”

The chief minister further accused the Centre and Election Commission of attempting to push the National Register of Citizens (NRC) agenda through indirect means. She warned against the creation of detention camps in Bengal and vowed that such moves would not be allowed under her leadership.

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Banerjee’s fiery speech emphasized her resistance to what she termed "linguistic terror" and alleged plans to marginalize Bengali-speaking communities. The address comes amid growing political tension between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP ahead of upcoming elections.