File photo of PM Narendra Modi addressing a rally
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is chairing a meeting of Chief Ministers in the national capital to discuss the structure, scope and role of the new body that will replace the Planning Commission.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee are skipping the meeting.
While Mr Abdullah has cited the ongoing polls in the state as the reason for his absence, Ms Banerjee's decision to skip the meeting comes amidst the ongoing stand-off between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress over several issues.
"There is no scheduled Delhi visit", a West Bengal Secretariat official said yesterday when asked about Ms Banerjee's Delhi visit.
Though no reason was officially cited, he said Ms Banerjee is scheduled to leave on Monday on a two-day tour infrastructure-cum-promiton trip to Jharkhali/Sajnekhali/Sunderbans.
She was, however, criticised by the BJP for the decision. "The meeting (of chief ministers) is development-oriented. Mr Modi believes India will develop only when its states develop. She should respect our federal structure and participate in the meeting forgetting party politics," said BJP Secretary Shrikant Sharma.
The Chief Minister had recently urged the Opposition parties to unite against the Narendra Modi government in Parliament.
"The Trinamool Congress is playing the role of main opposition in Delhi. That is why they are targeting us. Those in power in Delhi . But they cannot sweep us away with brooms," she had told a party workers' meeting recently. She had also accused the Modi government of "trying to sell out the country."