“Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, demanded 50% devolution of funds and all hoped that the States would get more powers when he became the Prime Minister. But the States are now losing their rights. It is not proper for Mr. Modi to change his stand after becoming Prime Minister,” said Minister for Finance Yanamala Ramakrishnudu in a statement here on Wednesday.
“The discussion over the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission should take place all over the country. The terms are discriminatory against States. If they are implemented as they are, progressive States would suffer. A conspiracy is going on to damage the basic financial structure of the States.”
He said, “Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Odisha and Karnataka together will suffer a loss of ₹1,14,062 crores. We have sent requests to the Centre and organised conclaves of Finance Ministers but it is sad the Centre hasn’t responded. It should not deprive the States of their rights.”
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“Seven States attended the recent conclave of Finance Ministers held in Amaravati. Odisha and Tamil Nadu sent letters. More States may participate in the next conclave in Delhi,” he said.
“Today, there is BJP in power. No matter who is in power, the basic structure of the Constitution must not be violated. Nobody has the right to dent the federal structure. The responsibility is on every State to protect its rights. All parties must respond to the issue keeping their politics aside,” he said.