Prime Minister Modi to Meet BJP MPs from West Bengal Ahead of Key Parliamentary Discussions
Upcoming Meeting with BJP MPs
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet with all BJP Members of Parliament from West Bengal. This meeting is significant as it precedes a parliamentary discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, which will take place on December 9 across 12 states and Union Territories.
Context of the Meeting
Earlier, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju mentioned that during an all-party meeting chaired by the Lok Sabha Speaker, it was decided to hold discussions in the Lok Sabha on December 8 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the national song 'Vande Mataram' and to address electoral reforms on December 9.
Opposition from TMC
The Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has been a staunch opponent of the SIR process in West Bengal. This meeting with the Prime Minister is particularly crucial as the state is gearing up for assembly elections in 2026.
Discussion in Parliament
West Bengal was also a topic of discussion in Parliament when a question regarding the funds allocated under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) was raised during the question hour in the Lok Sabha.
Response from Central Minister
In response, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (also known as Lalan Singh) provided an overview of the allocated funds. He stated, "For India to develop, the progress of every state is essential. Without the development of each state, this is not achievable. Keeping this in mind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched PMMSY to revolutionize the fisheries sector across the country. Unfortunately, West Bengal has not supported this initiative."
Legislative Agenda
As the parliamentary session enters its third day, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to present the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha for consideration and passage. This bill aims to amend the Central Excise Act of 1944 to increase excise duties and cesses on tobacco products.