'Centre indulging in malicious propaganda for political gains': Mamata counters Modi's PM Kisan Samman Nidhi allegation

Banerjee said in a statement, "Let me set the record straight – we have always been ready to cooperate in the interest of the farmers. I personally have written two letters and have even spoken to the concerned Minister two days ago but they are refusing to cooperate and are instead indulging in malicious propaganda for political gains.

"When we are implementing so many schemes with the Central Government, the question of not cooperating on a scheme that is benefiting farmers seems absurd. The fact is that this BJP-led Central Government is used to indulging in politicking even at the cost of violating the established practices and norms regarding the implementation of Central Schemes by State Governments."

Despite accusing the Centre of violating the federal structure of the country by directly sending the funds to the farmers, Banerjee said she would still allow the scheme to function in the state.

"Let me reiterate, that in the interest of the people of Bengal, we will do everything that is needed on our part, even if it means supporting schemes of Central Government that are purely meant to further their political agenda, are at odds with the spirit of federalism, and are definitely not guided by their desire to help the people at large; so long it ensures even incremental benefit for the people of Bengal," she added.

In a letter to Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Sept 9, Banerjee had written, "... the State Government in Bengal has already introduced way before the Krishak Bandhu scheme to provide financial assistance to farmers including sharecroppers."

"... Moreover, the state government provides comprehensive crop insurance facilities to farmers where the entire insurance premium is borne by the state government and is completely free for the farmers."

"However, we will be happy to provide benefits to the farmers under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme, and in that case, the Central Government may transfer the requisite fund direct to the State Government for further disbursement with full responsibility, to the beneficiaries, through the State Government machinery."     

At a time the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre is facing massive protests by the farmers over the agricultural reforms, Modi during his address to the farmers of six states on Friday spared most of his words on West Bengal, hitting out at the ruling Trinamool Congress.

"While farmers in all states, run by various parties which subscribe to diverse ideologies, are benefited by the scheme, only West Bengal farmers are deprived of the benefits because the state government is blocking the scheme for political reasons," the PM said.

In an apparent dig at the Opposition, the PM said, "More than 18,000 crore has been credited in the bank accounts of the farmers via technology. This is called good governance. There is no cut money."

"PM Kisan Samman Nidhi has ensured there is no leakage in the money," he added.

Modi's criticism of the Trinamool government is significant as West Bengal will jump into a high-octane election in 2021 summer.