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Mamata’s Development Promises Unfulfilled: NITI Aayog VC Lahiri

Newly appointed NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Lahiri claimed West Bengal is lagging behind industrially advanced states like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. He questioned CM Mamata Banerjee’s ability to deliver on development promises. Lahiri expressed commitment to PM Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and stressed policy implementation. He also expressed hope for an early resolution of the Israel-Iran conflict.

Key Points: NITI Aayog VC Questions West Bengal’s Development Pace

  • NITI Aayog VC Lahiri claims West Bengal lags industrially
  • Targets Mamata Banerjee’s development promises
  • Emphasizes PM Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision
  • Lahiri credits West Bengal education policies
  • Hopeful for early resolution of Israel-Iran war
3 min read

"Mamata talked about bringing change which she's unable to do so": NITI Aayog VC Lahiri questions development pace in WB

NITI Aayog VC Ashok Lahiri says West Bengal lags behind Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat. He questions CM Mamata Banerjee’s ability to deliver change.

"West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee talked about bringing change, which she is unable to do so - Ashok Lahiri"

New Delhi, April 25

Newly appointed Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Ashok Lahiri, on Saturday claimed that West Bengal is lagging behind more industrially advanced states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

Taking aim at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Lahiri said that despite promises of development and change, the state government has struggled to deliver on its commitments, raising questions about West Bengal's growth trajectory ahead of upcoming political contests.

"No one would disagree with the fact that West Bengal is lagging relatively from advanced states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat...West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee talked about bringing change (development), which she is unable to do so...Let's see if there will be a change in West Bengal," he told ANI.

Lahiri also said he will work towards fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making India a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, emphasising the importance of sound policy-making and effective implementation.

"I met PM Modi after being appointed as the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog...It is PM Modi's dream to make the nation a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047...To fulfil this vision, we need to ensure that proper policies are framed...I give credit to the earlier education policies of West Bengal, which played a big role in my appointment as the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog...This is a big respect to the state of West Bengal," Lahiri told ANI in an exclusive interaction.

Commenting on the ongoing Israel-Iran war, Lahiri expressed hope for an early resolution while stressing the importance of intent and implementation in policymaking.

"...We are hopeful that the war will end as early as possible...The implementation of the policies is very important, and the intention has to be very pure, and we need to have trust in our steps...I am very happy as PM Modi has reposed a lot of trust in me, I will try to live up to the expectations..." he added.

Lahiri, who was appointed as the Vice Chairman of the government's apex policy think tank on Friday, held a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, signalling the beginning of his tenure at a time when India is navigating a complex global economic environment.

While details of the meeting were not officially disclosed, the interaction assumes significance as NITI Aayog plays a key role in shaping India's economic policy framework and driving reforms across sectors.

The new Niti Aayog team includes two eminent experts hailing from West Bengal, senior economist Dr Ashok Lahiri as Vice Chairperson, and Scientist Dr Gobardhan Das as Member.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Mamata Banerjee has definitely failed to deliver on many promises. Bengal has so much potential - right from fertile farmlands to skilled workforce near Kolkata. But where are the big investments? Even neighboring Bangladesh has overtaken us in exports. Lahiri ji is spot on - we need change in WB. But NITI Aayog should also help states like us, not just criticize! 🙄
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James A
As an outsider looking at Indian politics, this seems to be another case of central vs state tension. But the numbers don't lie - West Bengal's growth has lagged behind southern and western states for over a decade now. Hopefully the new VC can bring some fresh ideas and collaboration, rather than just political point-scoring.
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Siddharth J
Lahiri ji comes from Bengal, went to Presidency College, was Chief Economic Advisor... he knows the ground realities. Fact is, TMC has run Bengal into ground - from Singur to Sandeshkhali, it's all about political vendetta rather than development. Even the education that Lahiri praises was built during Left Front era. Time for real change in 2026 elections insha'allah.
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Michael C
I've followed Bengal's economy for years - the state has immense potential in tourism, textiles, and IT (thanks to Kolkata's talent pool). But the political climate has definitely spooked investors. That said, NITI Aayog should be more constructive - offer specific policy recommendations instead of just pointing fingers. Center-state cooperation is key for Viksit Bharat.
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Varun X
One thing Lahiri got right - West

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