TMC members in Lok Sabha have alleged that the Centre has imposed an ‘economic blockade’ against the West Bengal government by blocking funds for schemes like MGNREGA and PM Awas Yojana. The party demanded the immediate payment of dues amounting to Rs 18,000 crore. TMC leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay raised the issue during the Zero Hour, claiming that funds allocated by the government for various schemes in West Bengal have been blocked for the past two years. In response, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused the state government of misappropriating central funds and announced a CBI probe.

Bandyopadhyay stated that the TMC demands the release of funds for MGNREGA and PM Awas Yojana without delay. He expressed hope that the issue would be discussed on the floor of the House. On the other hand, Pradhan mentioned that Rs 4,000 crore has been misappropriated in the PM Poshan Yojana – Mid Day Meal scheme. He claimed that the Government of India has ordered a CBI inquiry to investigate the matter.

The allegations and counter-allegations between the TMC and the Centre highlight the ongoing political tussle between the two parties. TMC accuses the Centre of hindering the development of West Bengal by withholding funds, while the Centre accuses the state government of corruption and mismanagement. The CBI probe ordered by the Centre is likely to intensify the political animosity between the two sides.

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