Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday assured West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee that no stone will be left unturned for the development of the state. During the meeting with Prime Minister Modi, Mamata raised the debt problem that the state was facing, most of which was a result of the actions of past governments. This debt burden is leading to high interest payments and is affecting development expenditure in West Bengal. She asked for a debt relief and relief from interest payments. She was also concerned about pending releases.     

Prime Minister Modi explained that he is a firm believer in cooperative federalism. He has constantly been saying that only strong states can make a strong India and therefore, states must be strengthened to meet development needs of their people. On the problem of debt, the Prime Minister said that you have inherited a large burden.

"We too have inherited a large burden. The Centre and States have to collectively find a solution to this. In any case, the 14th Finance Commission has taken into account the interest burden on states and has fully compensated the revenue deficit arising as a result of this," said Prime Minister Modi. "This is why West Bengal is getting an additional Revenue Deficit Grant along with only two other non-Special Category States. Therefore, interest burden should not affect development activities any more in future," he added.

Mamata Banerji does not miss any chance to criticize Modi government for no reason. Whatever the central government does, without even going through the merits and demerits she blindly opposes. The arrogant Mamata is now up in arms for alms in the name of development of West Bengal. She is in the fire line after the eruption of Sharadha Chit scam. Her ministers and party leaders are already in jail and the evidences are pointing towards her. Her party is also loosing its grounds fast and BJP is gaining.

By Premji