Mamata federal fire on Modi government

TT, Calcutta, Aug. 20: Mamata Banerjee today accused the Narendra Modi government of "trying to demolish" the federal structure of the country and threatened to launch a movement after the Centre informed the state of changes in the funding pattern of several projects.

"The Narendra Modi government is trying to demolish the federal structure and establish President's rule like in China or Russia.... The decision (to change the funding pattern) was taken without consulting the states. I have never seen such an arrogant government," the chief minister said.

At a news conference in Nabanna, Mamata gave three instances of central "interference".

• The chief minister said her government had received a letter from the Niti Aayog informing it that the state would have to bear 40 per cent of the cost of 20 central schemes in which Delhi's share had been between 70 per cent and 90 per cent. The participation of the state government in these schemes has been made compulsory. Mamata alleged the state was not consulted before the decision was taken.

"A sub group of chief ministers of BJP-ruled states had suggested this. I know the Uttar Pradesh chief minister had opposed the decision. Why was his opposition not considered?" Mamata asked.

She said the Centre couldn't force a state to pay for a project initiated by it. "If I pay 40 per cent of a project's cost, why should I run it in the name of the Prime Minister? I would better run a state-sponsored project," Mamata said.

• The chief minister accused the Centre of brainwashing state-cadre IAS officers. "After officers have completed their two-year training, the Centre cannot place them in Delhi without consulting the state government. I know they are being brainwashed. We had opposed the plan but it was ignored," Mamata said.

• The chief minister said the Centre had proposed to post two officers in the state treasury to monitor the spending of central funds. "This is direct intervention in state affairs. No state can misappropriate funds as the CAG keeps a regular watch. We won't allow the central officers to be placed here," the chief minister said.

Mamata said the Centre's "irrational" attitude towards the states was creating problems across the country.

"This is why Kashmir is in trouble. Why couldn't we get a berth in the Nuclear Suppliers Group? Why is there so much noise about regular problems with Pakistan? I am not supporting any anti-national cause but problems are being created because of the attitude of the Narendra Modi government," she said.

Mamata said she would get in touch with the chief ministers of non-BJP states to organise a countrywide movement against the NDA government.

Senior officials said the chief minister "lost her patience" today after receiving the Niti Aayog letter.

The letter mentions that the Centre has classified 66 schemes into three groups - core of core, core and optional.

The core of core group includes schemes such as the 100-day job plan and some development projects for the minorities, SCs and STs. The funding pattern for these schemes has not been changed.

It is in the core section that the Centre has stated that the states will have to shoulder 40 per cent of the expenditure. This group includes the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (previously called the Indira Awas Yojana) and Swachh Bharat.

According to an estimate, the state will have to shoulder an additional annual burden of Rs 4,000 crore. "This will hit the chief minister's pet projects like Khadya Sathi and the distribution of bicycles, given the weak finances of the state," an official said.