Addressing reporters at the Kolkata airport before leaving for Delhi, Banerjee said she would join the meeting and register her protest against a “discriminatory budget” and the “conspiracy to divide Bengal and other opposition-ruled states.”

“I was asked to send my written speech seven days ahead of the meeting which I have done. That was before the Union Budget was tabled.

“If I get an opportunity to deliver my speech at the meeting and record my protest against the discrimination and political bias against the opposition-ruled states besides the conspiracy that is being hatched to divide Bengal and its neighbouring states, I will do so. Else, I will walk out of the meeting,” the chief minister said.