Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday, 26 August, led a meeting with chief ministers of the Congress-ruled states and also the chief ministers of West Bengal and Maharashtra, Mamata Banerjee and Uddhav Thackeray, to discuss the pending Goods and Services Tax (GST) share, and the NEET and JEE examination issue, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"We should decide whether we have to fight or fear the central government. Opposition chief ministers should speak louder as central government is trying to suppress our voice," Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray said at the Opposition meeting.
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, Puducherry CM V Narayanasamy along with the West Bengal and Maharashtra chief ministers joined the meeting on video call.
‘Not The Right Time to Reopen Schools’: Uddhav
Thackeray also added that it was “not the right time” to either reopen schools or hold exams.
“There was a report from the US that about 97,000 children were infected by COVID-19 when schools were opened. What will we do if such a situation arises here?” asked Thackeray, addressing the other chief ministers.
'Bulldozed in The Name of Federalism’: Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said state governments were being "bulldozed" by the BJP government in the name of cooperative federalism.
“Let us go to the Supreme Court. Let us talk about this matter. This is a mental agony for students. I have not seen so many atrocities in a democracy. The situation is very serious. We have to speak up for the children,” Mamata Banerjee said.
Approcah PMO Before SC: Jharkhand CM Soren
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren suggested that the chief ministers can first approach the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
“I think we should go to prime minister or president before approaching the Supreme Court.”
However, they all agreed that since the exams start in a week, the next move would have to be fast.
‘Finances Of States Completely Down’: Amarinder Singh
Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh pointed that the COVID-19 situation was “getting worse” and that the finances of the states are “completely down”.
“COVID situation is getting worse. We’ve spent nearly Rs 500 crore. We’re in a situation where the finances of our states are completely down. Centre has not paid GST compensation. I agree with Mamata ji that we should collectively see PM.”Amarinder Singh
Echoing him, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel said the Centre not paying GST led to “fearful situation.”
“The Centre has not paid GST compensation to the states for the last 4 months. Today, the situation is fearful,” he said.
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