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Mamata's GST Blunder: Why Bengal's Tax Decision Haunts State Finances

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has declared that accepting the GST was a major blunder by her government. She revealed that the Union government has collected Rs 20,000 crore from Bengal but isn't releasing the state's rightful share. The CM accused the Centre of diverting all GST funds exclusively to BJP-ruled states. Banerjee made these statements during her three-day visit to flood-affected north Bengal regions.

Key Points: Mamata Banerjee Calls GST Acceptance Blunder Amid Tax Dispute

  • Mamata claims Centre collected Rs 20,000 crore from Bengal but withholding state's share
  • Chief Minister alleges funds being diverted to BJP-ruled states only
  • Banerjee announces cricket stadium in Siliguri named after Richa Ghosh
  • CM criticizes Election Commission's special intensive revision causing public distress
2 min read

Accepting GST was a 'blunder', says Bengal CM Mamata

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says accepting GST was a "blunder" as Centre withholds Rs 20,000 crore state share, diverts funds to BJP-ruled states.

"We accepted the GST to honour the federal structure of democracy... But under the present circumstances it seems that accepting that was a blunder on our part - Mamata Banerjee"

Kolkata, Nov 10

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Monday that accepting the Goods and Services Tax (GST) proposed by the Union government was a blunder on behalf of the Trinamool Congress-led state government.

"We accepted the GST to honour the federal structure of democracy in the country with a positive mind. But under the present circumstances it seems that accepting that was a blunder on our part," the Chief Minister said, while addressing the media persons from Siliguri of Darjeeling district on the first day of her three-day visit to north Bengal to review the situation in the hills, Terai, and Dooars region there, which was devastated by the severe flood and landslides last month, killing several people.

According to the Chief Minister, although the Union government was collecting the tax from West Bengal, it was not releasing the state's share in this count.

"The Union government is diverting all the funds to the BJP-ruled states. I think that the Union government should not be reluctant to share the state's share of tax. The Union government had already collected Rs 20,000 crore from West Bengal," she said.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Banerjee also announced that the state government will set up a cricket stadium at Siliguri in the name of Richa Ghosh, the wicketkeeper-batter of the Indian cricket team winning the Women's World Cup.

The Chief Minister once again launched a scathing attack against the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Union government over the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in West Bengal.

"What was the hurry of conducting the SIR within such a short timespan? They would have done it over two years. West Bengal had already witnessed so many losses of lives because of suicides out of the SIR scare. It is an insult to the citizens of West Bengal that they would have to prove their identities again" CM Banerjee said.

She also attacked the Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the illegal infiltration issue.

"The Border Security Force (BSF) is responsible for the security at the border. Checking illegal infiltration is the BSF's responsibility. The BSF comes under the direct control of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. So the Union Home Minister should take responsibility for illegal infiltration," the Chief Minister said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
She has a point about fund allocation. Why are BJP-ruled states getting preference? All states should be treated equally regardless of ruling party. This is against the spirit of cooperative federalism. 🇮🇳
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Aditya G
Great to see a cricket stadium being named after Richa Ghosh! She's made Bengal and India proud. This will inspire many young girls to take up sports. Kudos to the state government for this initiative! 🏏
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Sarah B
While I understand the concerns about GST implementation, constantly blaming the central government for everything isn't productive. Both state and central governments need to work together for the benefit of citizens.
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Nikhil C
The border security issue is serious. If there's illegal infiltration happening, both state and central governments should coordinate to stop it. Playing blame games won't solve the problem. National security should be above politics.
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Kavya N
As a Bengali, I'm concerned about the flood situation in North Bengal. Instead of political statements, we need concrete action and relief measures for the affected people. That should be the priority right now.

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