Mamata Banerjee criticises bills listed in parliament for interfering with states

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP-ruled central government of using its majority to push bills through parliament without adequate discussion. She pointed out that 16 bills listed in parliament's winter session interfere with state matters.

She observed that the (central) government has to understand the needs of states. "They have to understand that every state has its own problems and issues. Each state is represented in parliament which has different issues, languages, and problems. Parliament cannot forcefully go on without listening to us."

She told the media that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is bulldozing the opposition and democracy. The winter session began on Wednesday and will end on December 29.

After a strategy meeting with party MPs, Banerjee said the Modi government does not accept reports of standing committees or select committees. "You have seen that if the opposition raises its voice, because of the majority, the ruling party passes bills forcefully without even voting. We are afraid whether our parliamentary democracy will persevere and its prestige and respect which has been preserved till now will be protected," reported NDTV.

She noted that the parliamentary majority always wins in a democracy but this does not mean you bulldoze opposition voices, states, media, and other pillars of democracy. "One political party may come in power and go, but this parliament and constitution will go on forever," said the West Bengal CM.

Banerjee added that the Trinamool Congress will face BJP boldly and coolly while cooperating with other opposition parties to fight against the atrocities. This morning at parliament, TMC was seen at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's meeting of opposition parties. AAP, the Left parties, DMK, RJD, National Conference, the RSP, and NCP were also present in the meeting.