Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has dismissed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s allegations that her microphone was switched off prematurely during the NITI Aayog’s 9th Governing Council meeting in New Delhi.
The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was held on Saturday. Banerjee had claimed that she was allowed to speak for only five minutes, whereas other chief ministers were given more time.
In response, Sitharaman stated Banerjee’s microphone was not turned off, and that her allotted speaking time, displayed on a screen at the meeting, had simply expired.
“Every CM was given their due time to speak… It’s unfortunate that West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has claimed that her mic was switched off which is not true,” Sitharaman said.
The Press Information Bureau Fact Check (PIB Fact Check), part of the Information & Broadcasting Ministry, also labelled Banerjee’s claims as “misleading.”
They clarified that her speaking time had ended according to the clock, and no bell was rung to indicate the conclusion of her time. PIB Fact Check added that Banerjee’s turn to speak came earlier than scheduled upon the official request of the West Bengal Government, as she had to leave early.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, commenting on the issue, remarked on the disarray within the opposition alliance, noting Mamata Banerjee’s refusal to allocate seats to the Congress in West Bengal.
Banerjee, who attended the meeting despite boycotts by other Opposition-ruled States, accused the Central Government of political bias and unfairness. She highlighted that CMs from NDA-ruled States were allowed to speak for longer durations, and termed her experience as “insulting.” Banerjee stated, “I will not attend any further meetings.”
