West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asserted on Tuesday that the Centre should eliminate the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime if it cannot settle the outstanding dues owed to the state. Speaking at a rally in the tribal-dominated Belpahari area of Jhargram district, Banerjee expressed concerns about having to “beg” for the dues to be cleared. She urged the BJP-led government to either fulfill the payment or step down from power.

During the event commemorating the birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda, Banerjee accused the Central government of withholding funds under the MGNREGA scheme. She emphasized that if the Centre fails to clear the state’s dues, it should reconsider the GST system. Banerjee mentioned her previous meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the matter, stating that despite agreeing on implementing GST, the Centre is not honoring its commitment.

Banerjee stressed that the Central government seems to have forgotten that reimbursing the state is its constitutional obligation, and she questioned whether she needs to “fall on [the Prime Minister’s] feet and beg for our money.” She suggested that if the Centre doesn’t clear the dues, the state can also consider stopping GST payments. Banerjee underscored that the funds for the 100-day work scheme (MGNREGA) are constitutionally mandated, and the Centre must fulfill this obligation.

Responding to claims from Bengal BJP leadership that they would ensure the Centre stops funds to the state, Banerjee questioned if this money is the “personal property” of the saffron party leaders. During interactions with locals, she attributed the halt in the Jal Jeevan Mission piped water project to a shortage of central funds.

In response to Banerjee’s allegations, BJP leader Rahul Sinha argued that funds flow was halted because the TMC government failed to submit utilization certificates for money spent under MNREGA. He emphasized that the state government must submit these certificates before receiving further funds.

Meanwhile, Banerjee engaged in a symbolic act of cooking and serving food at a roadside stall in Jhargram, as captured in a video tweeted by the Trinamool Congress. This gesture is seen as part of her efforts to connect with the people.