Piyush Goyal refers 'personnel enmity' towards PM Modi reason behind opposition boycotting NITI Aayog meeting

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Goyal said, "I believe their (the opposition's) personal animosity towards PM Modi prevents them from considering the needs of their own people. Eight states, including Telangana, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, boycotted last year's NITI Aayog meeting, which focused on Viksit Bharat."

"They only talk about democracy while holding the Constitution, but their actions show they don't believe in it. They are arrogant about their family names. Misguided by the Congress party, the parties in the INDI alliance are attempting to undermine the democratic system," added Goyal.

Another Union Minister, Bhupender Yadav, reacted to the opposition's call, saying, "It's unfortunate that Congress and other parties in the INDI alliance are prioritising personal interests over public interest. NITI Aayog is an institution based on the idea of federalism, where developmental works are discussed."

"This boycott politics is unfortunate, especially concerning a forum like NITI Aayog, which is non-political and promotes cooperative federalism. It shows that these people are sidelining the public and their issues," he added.

Earlier, Karnataka Leader of the Opposition, R Ashoka, criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday for boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting. Ashoka stated that by boycotting the meeting to pursue the Congress party's "petty politics," Siddaramaiah has insulted the 6.5 crore Kannadigas.

Notably, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal announced on Tuesday that his party's Chief Ministers would boycott the NITI Aayog meeting, terming the Union Budget 2024 discriminatory.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader MK Stalin, a key Congress ally, has also stated he would not attend the NITI Aayog meeting, calling the budget 'discriminatory.' (ANI)