TMC says Centre's decision to suspend MPLAD funds 'whimsical'

The Trinamool Congress on Monday lashed out at the BJP-led central government claiming that its decision to temporarily suspend the MPLAD scheme was "arbitrary and whimsical" as it would prevent MPs from carrying out developmental work in their areas.

The Union cabinet and Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the decision without consulting all the parties, senior TMC leader and MP Sougata Roy said.

"The decision to temporarily suspend the MPLAD is arbitrary and whimsical. We are opposing it. The Union Cabinet and the prime minister are taking decision pertaining to all the MPs without even discussing the matter with us," Roy, a veteran parliamentarian, told PTI.

This decision would deprive the parliamentarians of funds needed to carry out developmental work in their areas, he said.

The government on Monday decided to suspend MPLADs for two years and transfer the money into the government's consolidated fund. The money under MPLADS is around Rs 7900 crore for two years: 2020-21 and 2021-22