Even as Narendra Modi Government has completed one year in office at the Centre, Congress party leaders say the Central government has no inclination to grant Statehood status to the Union Territory- a key demand of All India NR Congress (AINRC).
Talking to The Hindu , All India Congress Committee General Secretary and former Union Minister V.Narayanasamy said, “It seems that Union Government has no inkling to grant Statehood as demanded by AINRC.”
Mr. Narayanasamy pointed out that Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping Pon.Radhakrishnan who was in Puducherry recently had expressed doubts on the financial sustainability of Union Territory when asked about granting statehood to the Union Territory.
“Through speeches of the Union Minister of State Mr. Radhakrishnan, it is clear that the main demand of AINRC president and Chief Minister was rejected by the Union Government. Then what is the use for him to continue in alliance with BJP-led National Democratic Alliance(NDA)? Will he come out from alliance?” said Mr. Narayanasamy.
Addressing reporters here to counter claims of the BJP-led NDA Government, the Congress leader also said BJP Government should not claim sole credit for the development of East Coast Road.
The erstwhile Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government sanctioned and provided fund for making the ECR into four lane road up to Kanyakumari.
Mr. Narayanasamay said the Union Territory Government should explain whether it obtained any sanction of the Union government before enabling the wards of French nationals residing at Puducherry eligible to join the government quota seats of professional courses.
He said the economic situation is very grim during last one-year rule of BJP-led NDA Government with agricultural and industrial growth, exports declined. Funds to several centrally sponsored schemes have been substantially cut by the Union Government. The prices of essential commodities rose exorbitantly.
