Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to preside over the eighth governing council meeting of Niti Aayog, focusing on the theme of “Viksit Bharat @2047: Role of Team India” at the Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. However, eight chief ministers have chosen not to participate in the meeting.
Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi’s Chief Minister, expressed his protest against the “undemocratic and unconstitutional” ordinance issued on May 19 by boycotting the Niti Aayog meeting. The ordinance aimed to transfer control of services in the national capital back to the central government.
Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, declined the central government’s request to send state representatives and decided not to attend the meeting herself. The TMC government’s request was denied by the Centre, insisting on Mamata Banerjee’s presence.
Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar, cited prior commitments for his inability to attend the Niti Aayog meeting. The Bihar cabinet is waiting for a response from the Union government regarding the possibility of sending a representative on his behalf.
K Chandrashekar Rao, Chief Minister of Telangana, will not be present at the meeting as he has a scheduled meeting with Arvind Kejriwal in Hyderabad on the same day. Kejriwal has been campaigning against the services ordinance and seeking support from opposition party leaders.
Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, did not provide a specific reason for his non-participation in the Niti Aayog meeting.
Bhagwant Mann, Chief Minister of Punjab, decided not to attend the meeting in protest against the alleged discriminatory treatment of Punjab by the central government regarding the allocation of funds.
MK Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, will be unable to attend the meeting due to his ongoing visit to Singapore and Japan.
Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, cited health reasons for his inability to attend the Niti Aayog meeting.
