Mamata Banerjee Slams Centre for Withheld GST Funds, Claims Rs 20,000 Crore Revenue Loss

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticized the central government, alleging significant revenue losses for the state due to withheld GST compensation funds. She highlighted a substantial Rs 20,000 crore financial strain, with the health sector alone suffering a Rs 10,000 crore deficit.

Addressing the issue at a Kolkata event, Banerjee questioned why West Bengal has not received the same compensation as other states, and accused the Centre of discriminatory practices. She emphasized the state's proactive stance on seeking health insurance premium decreases and GST exemptions, only to face economic setbacks.

This criticism comes amid broader discontent among opposition-led states over fiscal policies and pending GST dues. The recent GST Council meeting, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, announced adjustments to tax slabs and insurance exemptions, which the Trinamool Congress hailed as a hard-won victory for the common people.

(With inputs from agencies.)