"I respect PM's chair, he should show the same respect": Mamata Banerjee on PM Modi's remarks

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 26 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accused the Central Government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that funds for crucial welfare schemes were withheld and the BJP leader had insulted the people of the State.
She alleged that the Central government had failed to release funds for key schemes, including the 100-day MGNREGA work program, Nirmal Jal Yojana, and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Despite this, Mamata Banerjee asserted that the state government has continued all these projects using its own funds.
"The central government has withheld funds for 100 days, stopped funding for the NAL Jal scheme, and is not providing money for the housing scheme, yet the state government has continued all projects using its own funds. I respect the Prime Minister's chair, and he should show the same respect. Why did he say that funds were stopped because everyone in Bengal is a thief? If that is the logic, then what about Uttar Pradesh, which is facing the highest level of corruption? What about Maharashtra and Bihar, both ruled by the so-called "double engine" government? Shouldn't he look at them first before pointing fingers at Bengal?" she said.
PM Modi had previously, at a public meeting in Kolkata on August 22 had alleged that the funds that the Centre sends to the West Bengal government do not reach the people but are "looted" by TMC cadre.
The TMC chief Mamata Banerjee accused the central government of targeting the State by sending as many as 186 central teams to West Bengal with the sole intent of dishonouring it. She questioned the unprecedented number of teams dispatched.
"He has sent as many as 186 central teams to Bengal, only to dishonour the state. Can you even imagine such a number? Not all Panchayats are ruled by Trinamool Congress; many belong to other parties as well, just like MPs and MLAs are from different parties. In a democracy, every party has its place. A few questions were raised, and they were answered fully. But after giving every answer, if you still deduct marks and then brand the entire state as thieves, that is unacceptable," she said.
The Chief Minister further accused the central government of unfair treatment, and criticised PM Modi for associating with groups accused of corruption while condemning her state.
"It is like a student who answers every question correctly but is still given zero marks. Then you call them a cheat. Is this justice? At the same time, you meet and stand with groups who themselves are accused of corruption. You should feel shame," she said.
The Chief Minister made the remarks during the inauguration and foundation laying ceremony of government projects in Bardhaman.
She vowed to protect the state's dignity and ensure the welfare of its people, particularly migrant workers returning to Bengal. "Say whatever you want against me, but I will not tolerate insults to Bengal," she added. (ANI)