Kolkata: Strongly objecting to the Centre's contradictory statements while giving directions to tackle COVID-19 situation, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday has sought clarity as the Union Home ministry ordered reopening of shops at a time when enforcement of lockdown has been emphasised.
Stating that major states should also have been allowed to speak during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video conference with the Chief Ministers, Banerjee said: "I would have raised the issue of contradictory statements and the purpose of sending Inter-Ministerial Central Teams to Bengal if given a chance."
This comes when 47 new cases of COVID-19 positive were reported in the state in the past 24 hours and till date 109 people have been released after recovery.
Directing Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha to write to the Cabinet Secretary seeking a proper clarification, the Chief Minister said: "I am in favour of lockdown if the Centre asks. But it (Centre) should not make conflicting statements. How can lockdown be imposed properly if shops are allowed to reopen as it will be difficult to stop people from getting out of their houses? We will wait for 48 hours to get their reply before announcing our plans for the state."
Stating that she got a hint from Prime Minister's speech that the lockdown may be extended, Banerjee said states must be informed on time as necessary plans need to be done and urged people that it is better to follow all precautions till May 21.
Revealing that the state government is incurring a loss of Rs 5,000 crore every month, the Chief Minister said: "We are yet to get any financial support from the Centre."
She demanded direct loan from the Reserve Bank of India after attacking the Modi government for not responding to the state's request to increase the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) limits to at least 5 per cent of their GDP during 2020-21 fiscal in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.
She also demanded that the financial commission should review its report as the financial situation has completely changed due to the lockdown and also demanded that moratorium of loan be waived off for the time being.
Mentioning the hardships of daily wage labourers, Banerjee said the Centre must deposit Rs 10,000 each in the bank accounts of those from the unorganised sectors. "Centre has to take responsibility if jute and tea workers do not get their wages," Banerjee said, adding that only building pressure on the state government is not going to work.
The Chief Minister also took a dig at the Prime Minister saying: "There is also need to give ration besides delivering bhashan (speeches)."
The Chief Minister also raised a question on sanctioning Rs 20,000 crore to build new Parliament building as in this situation it could have been adjusted to give Dearness Allowances hike to the Central government employees and the projects that are just meant for showing off should have been reconsidered. "Reforms do not mean taking away food from one's mouth and only give tall lectures," Banerjee said while reacting on the Centre's decision to not give DA hike.