BJP lashes out at WB govt over non-participation in Centre's

BJP today accused the TMC-led West Bengal government of trying to "subvert federal structure" of the country after Vice Chancellors of the state universities were barred from attending a video-conference by Union HRD minister on digital economy.
"They (Bengal government) behave as constitutional experts, while giving lectures on federal structure. But when it comes to preaching what they say, they are the first to back out," BJP National Secretary Rahul Sinha told PTI.
"By preventing the VCs to attend the conference on digital economy held by Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar, they are trying to subvert the federal structure of the country. While the TMC themselves will not respect the federal structure, they will not hesitate lecturing others," he said.

"The country has given a mandate to BJP for five years. The TMC government has to follow the rules of the federal structure where the Central government is the pivot holding the entire country. Thus, TMC should not behave as a separate country or entity," Sinha said.
In the wake of the Centre's demonetisation move, the HRD Ministry is planning a month-long campaign, beginning December 12, to spread awareness about digital transactions among university students and teachers across the country.
The Union HRD Minister today held a meeting through video conferencing with nearly 670 Vice Chancellors and senior officials dealing with higher education in states.

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"VCs were asked to attend the video conference, but they won't be able to attend the programme as exams are going on in all state universities. The VCs are busy ensuring smooth functioning of examinations and preparations of student elections, so they cannot attend it," Chatterjee had said.
The minister, however, denied to comment on the matter today.
Meanwhile, senior TMC minister Firhad Hakim said, "TMC do not need to take lessons on federal structure from a party like BJP, which is going all out to destroy the said federal structure."
Earlier this week, Banerjee had instructed WBCS officers not to act on any directive by the Central government without asking the state government.

According to TMC sources, the decision to give the video conference a miss was taken keeping in mind the Chief Minister's continued protest against the Centre's demonetisation drive.