Political Tensions as Mamata Banerjee Skips Modi's Metro Inauguration

In a move highlighting political tensions, West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to absent herself from the inauguration of three Kolkata metro projects by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This decision was revealed by a senior state official on Monday.

The metros, originally planned by Banerjee during her tenure as railway minister, have become a point of contention against the backdrop of alleged discrimination against Bengali migrants in BJP-governed states. Accusations of linguistic prejudice have fueled protests against the mistreatment of Bengali-speaking individuals.

Despite an invitation from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, stating the projects' inauguration by Modi, Banerjee remains firm in her decision to boycott the event. The Chief Minister has previously cited misbehavior and chaos at government functions as major concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)