BJP lashes out at TMC over non-participation in Centre's digital economy push
Kolkata: BJP on Thursday accused the TMC-led West Bengal government of trying to "subvert federal structure" of the country after Vice Chancellors of the state universities were barred from attending a video-conference by Union HRD minister on digital economy.
"They (Bengal government) behave as constitutional experts, while giving lectures on federal structure. But when it comes to preaching what they say, they are the first to back out," BJP National Secretary Rahul Sinha told PTI.
"By preventing the VCs to attend the conference on digital economy held by Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar, they are trying to subvert the federal structure of the country. While the TMC themselves will not respect the federal structure, they will not hesitate lecturing others," he said.
"The country has given a mandate to BJP for five years. The TMC government has to follow the rules of the federal structure where the Central government is the pivot holding the entire country. Thus, TMC should not behave as a separate country or entity," Sinha said.
In the wake of the Centre's demonetisation move, the HRD Ministry is planning a month-long campaign, beginning December 12, to spread awareness about digital transactions among university students and teachers across the country.
The Union HRD Minister on Thursday held a meeting through video conferencing with nearly 670 Vice Chancellors and senior officials dealing with higher education in states.
The VCs from West Bengal gave it a miss after state Education Minister Partha Chatterjee on Wednesday directed them not to attend the programme, citing the ongoing examinations and preparations of students elections in state universities.
