Mamata Banerjee Calls Acceptance of GST a ‘Blunder’, Accuses Centre of Withholding Bengal’s Dues

Kolkata, Nov 2025 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said that accepting the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime was a “blunder” committed by her government, accusing the Union government of withholding the state’s legitimate share of revenue.

Addressing the media in Siliguri on the first day of her three-day tour of north Bengal, the Chief Minister said the state had supported the GST in good faith, believing it would strengthen India’s federal structure. “We accepted GST to uphold the spirit of cooperative federalism. But under the present circumstances, it appears that accepting it was a blunder on our part,” she said.

Banerjee travelled to the hills, Terai, and Dooars regions to review the situation following last month’s devastating floods and landslides, which caused significant destruction and claimed several lives.

The Chief Minister claimed that despite collecting substantial revenue from West Bengal, the Centre was not releasing the state’s rightful dues. “The Union government has already collected ₹20,000 crore from West Bengal, yet they are diverting funds to BJP-ruled states. They are reluctant to release our share of taxes,” she alleged. Banerjee said lack of timely financial support was hampering the state’s ability to respond effectively to disaster-related challenges.

During the media interaction, Banerjee also announced that a new cricket stadium will be built in Siliguri and named after Richa Ghosh, the Indian women’s cricket team wicketkeeper-batter who played a key role in India’s recent Women’s World Cup victory. She said the stadium would serve as a tribute to the young sports star from Siliguri.

Slams Centre and BJP Over Voter List Revision

The Chief Minister launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Union government over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive being conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in the state.

“What was the urgency to conduct the SIR in such a short span? They could have done it over two years. Bengal has already seen several tragic deaths due to the stress and fear caused by the SIR,” Banerjee claimed. She called it an “insult” to the people of West Bengal that they have to repeatedly prove their identity.

Targets Amit Shah Over Infiltration Issue

Banerjee also criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the issue of illegal infiltration, saying the responsibility lies squarely with the Border Security Force (BSF), which functions under the Union Home Ministry.

“Border security is the BSF’s job. If illegal infiltration is happening, the Union Home Minister must take responsibility. The BSF is directly under his ministry,” she said.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)