Centre, state governments should collaborate: Mamata

Kolkata, March 14 (IANS) Stressing the need for collaborative functioning of the Centre and state governments, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said the tradition of democracy should continue in spite of political differences.

"We want the Centre and the state governments to go ahead in a collaborative manner so that everything runs smoothly. Political parties will come and go, but the tradition and the democratic culture of the country should continue," Banerjee said.

"In a democratic country, one should always respect others. Some parties may win or lose elections, but that is not the ultimate thing. The prosperity of the people of India is the main thing," she said.

The Trinamool Congress supremo also questioned the Centre's policy of making Aadhaar cards mandatory in 23 departments before providing the identity card to everyone.

"I have questions about the Centre's stand on Aadhaar cards. They have made it mandatory in 23 departments even before everyone can have the card. As a result, the kids are being deprived of midday meal in schools. People are not able to use the Kisan (farmer) credit cards, participate in 100-day work scheme or withdraw pension without the Aadhaar card," she said.

Banerjee claimed that the Centre has failed to abide by the responsibility to provide Aadhaar cards to every citizen before implementing these policies.

"It was their responsibility to provide Aadhaar cards to everyone but they failed. We are not against the policy but unless the card is provided to everyone we should not deprive the poor of their basic rights," she added.