Is this #CooperativeFederalism? Is this the way to treat a Chief Minister? The Union BJP government must understand that opposition parties are...
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin condemned the mistreatment of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at NITI Aayog, demanding respect for cooperative federalism.
M.K.Stalin@mkstalinOriginal post
Is this #CooperativeFederalism?
Is this the way to treat a Chief Minister?
The Union BJP government must understand that opposition parties are an integral part of our democracy and should not be treated as enemies to be silenced.
Cooperative Federalism requires dialogue and respect for all voices.
#NITIAayog @MamataOfficial @PMOIndia #Budget2024
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin strongly condemned the treatment meted out to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the NITI Aayog governing council meeting in New Delhi, questioning the Union Government's commitment to genuine cooperative federalism. Banerjee walked out of the conference hall after her microphone was abruptly switched off before her allotted speaking time concluded.
Stalin condemned the incident as an insult to an elected Chief Minister representing millions of citizens, asking whether this constitutes the Union Government's definition of cooperative federalism. He emphasized that the ruling BJP dispensation must understand that opposition parties and non-NDA state governments are foundational pillars of India's constitutional democracy, not political adversaries to be muzzled.
The Chief Minister asserted that authentic federalism demands sustained dialogue, institutional patience, and mutual respect for differing political viewpoints. Silencing chief ministers representing substantial regional populations undermines the constitutional spirit of the council and degrades democratic conventions established over decades.
Stalin expressed steadfast solidarity with Mamata Banerjee, warning that authoritarian governance that disregards regional voices will only deepen center-state friction. He reiterated that Tamil Nadu will continue rallying democratic forces nationwide to preserve state autonomy and federal dignity.