Mamata to Boycott PM Modi’s Metro Launch

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to boycott the inauguration of three Kolkata metro projects by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 22, a senior state official revealed Monday.

Banerjee, who conceptualized these metro projects during her tenure as railway minister, is opting out due to alleged harassment of Bengali migrants in BJP-ruled states, the official stated.

"Reports of linguistic discrimination and mistreatment of Bengalis in several states, allegedly backed by the BJP and central government, have sparked protests. Given this, the chief minister prefers not to share the stage with central government officials," the official told PTI.

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Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw invited Banerjee on August 14 to the inauguration of the Sealdah-Esplanade section (Green Line), Hemanta Mukhopadhyay-Beleghata stretch (Orange Line), and Noapara-Jai Hind Bimanbandar section (Yellow Line).

"These projects were initiated and funded by Mamata Banerjee as railway minister. After years of delays, the BJP is now rushing to inaugurate them before elections to claim credit. The chief minister received only a formal invitation," the official claimed.

Banerjee has previously attended central government events to honor constitutional protocol, the official noted. "However, BJP supporters have disrupted these events, turning them into political spectacles with disrespectful behavior. To avoid such conduct, the chief minister is likely to skip the event," he added.

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