“No No Nil…” Mamata Banerjee Calls Out Modi Govt’s Financial assistance For Bengal Floods

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slammed the BJP led NDA government at the Centre for “apathy” towards Bengal floods, claimed that no financial assistance was allocated even after the devastating floods had ravaged at least eight districts in the state claiming 28 lives, leaving more than 50 lakh affected. “No, No, not a single penny, it’s all nil. When I say nil, it is nil. The centre has not given us any money for the floods”, said Mamata Banerjee after a reporter asked if Bengal was allocated any package, on the lines of flood relief package of Rs 11,500 crore package for Bihar, as was announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman during Budget 2024-25.

The Chief Minister had written two letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week urging for intervention. She had called the floods as “man made” accusing Centre controlled DVC of releasing excess water without the consent of the state government. War of words had ensued between the Centre and the State over the floods after the Union Jal Shakti ministry claimed that state was informed about impending release of water. The state had rejected claims of the Union government. Mamata Banerjee eventually had withdrawn support from the DVC, two of state officials have withdrawn from being members at Damodar Valley Corporation in ‘protest’.

“DVC had previously released water to the tune of 5 lakh cusecs and now yesterday they have once again released 25,000 cusecs of water without informing the state. They didn’t inform last time, they didn’t inform yesterday too”, Mamata Banerjee added, while warning that tides could bring further challenges during the impending new moon day next week. Incessant rains coupled with water release from DVC had led to massive flooding in several districts in Southern part of Bengal. Due to ongoing cyclonic formation on Bay of Bengal, deep depression has settled in the state bringing further rains in and around Kolkata, the state capital.