In the wake of the Centre ignoring several resolutions appealing for Statehood to the Union Government, a senior Member of Legislative Assembly called for an all party delegation to observe a one-day token fast in New Delhi to espouse the cause.
Participating in the debate on the motion of thanks to the Lieutenant Governor’s address, former Speaker and senior MLA V.M.C. Sivakumar said since the time he was a Minister in 1983, ruling governments had passed resolutions demanding Statehood but all resolutions were kept in abeyance by the successive governments at the Centre.
Recently, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, along with cabinet colleagues and other MLAs had observed a fast on the Parliament campus demanding financial package to his State and also succeeded in the effort.
Mr. Sivakumar also said, “Similarly Chief Minister N. Rangasamy also should take all his cabinet colleagues and MLAs to observe a one-day fast at Parliament campus in New Delhi to draw attention of the Union government and other political parties on Statehood and waiving off loans. The present Union government, which is friendly with AINRC government, may consider the demands.”
Congress MLA K. Lakshminarayanan said during NITI Aayog meeting, Chief Minister Mr. Rangasamy should have explained to Union government on the rationale behind the demand of Statehood and waiver of loans. Criticising several aspects of the Lieutenant Governor’s address, Mr. Lakshminarayanan said the speech did not have a road map for growth.
Congress MLA A. Namasivayam pointed out that the Union government has not approved the Plan Outlay proposed by the State Planning Board. Hence the presentation of annual budget got delayed. The Union Territory government should exercise its influence on the Centre for clearance of Plan Outlay at the earliest so that annual budget can be presented without any delay.
