Mamata asks 'arrogant' Centre to correct its course, warns of stir

Alleging that the federal structure is being bulldozed by the unilateral, arbitrary action of the Centre, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday warned if the Centre did not correct its course, they would be forced to hit the streets.

"In the name of cooperative federalism, opinions of states are being bulldozed, and the federal structure is being bulldozed by the unilateral, arbitrary action of the Centre. I have never seen a more arrogant Central Government. This is a dangerous 'red' signal to stop democratic system. If the Centre does not correct its course, we will be forced to hit the streets," the All India Trinamool Congress tweeted Banerjee as saying.

Stating that "Bhashan" (speech) on social media can get you votes, the Bengal Chief Minister asked: "But, what about nation-building?"

"Inflation is up. Development projects for weaker sections are stagnant. There is a controversy over GDP numbers, said Mamata, asking: "If states pay most of the funds, why should be the scheme be named after leaders of the ruling party at the Centre?"

Maintaining that the Centre will be strengthened if the states are empowered, Mamata called upon every party to come together to fight unitedly against the attempts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to thwart the federal structure.