BJP Legislators Protest In West Bengal Assembly Over CAG Report Dispute

BJP legislators staged a protest in the West Bengal Assembly during the budget session on Tuesday. This came after the Speaker denied their request to introduce an adjournment motion and hold a discussion on the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report from the Centre.

Expressing their discontent, the MLAs protested both inside and outside the assembly premises when their demand was not addressed. They accused the ruling Trinamool Congress-led government of corruption, citing the CAG report, which alleged fraudulent activities and misappropriation of funds by the West Bengal government.

Simultaneously, the Enforcement Directorate conducted raids in at least four locations in West Bengal regarding the MGNREGA scam, adding to the political tension.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the CAG report, labeling it as "erroneous" and arguing that it would present a misleading picture. She penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene and ensure the release of central funds to West Bengal for various welfare schemes. Banerjee expressed shock over what she perceived as incorrect observations from the CAG, a reputed constitutional institution.

In contrast, TMC leaders Derek O' Brien and Kunal Ghosh dismissed the CAG report as "baseless" during a recent press conference. They accused the CAG of stirring political controversies by suggesting that the West Bengal government delayed the submission of Utilisation Certificates.

The BJP had previously cited the CAG report to allege a major scam in the state, branding it as the "mother of all scams."