CHENNAI: Communist Party of India (CPI) state secretary M Veerapandian on Friday raised a series of questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, over his latest visit to Tamil Nadu, asking his real contribution to Tamil Nadu’s development, the Centre’s share of funds for disaster relief, his stance on language policy and fiscal federalism.
Pegging it on PM’s visit to the State on January 23, ahead of the Assembly elections, also touching upon the BJP leader’s frequent visits to Tamil Nadu, Veerapandian, in a statement, said that despite more than 40 visits, people had neither trusted nor accepted his speeches, alleging that the Union government had consistently betrayed the State’s development and public welfare. He said people were questioning what the Prime Minister intended to speak about amid these grievances.
He questioned claims that Rs 14,200 crore had been allocated for 25 projects, including Chennai Metro Rail Phase II, and asked for real facts to be made public. He also criticised the continued refusal to approve Metro Rail projects in Madurai and Coimbatore.
On disaster relief, he alleged that after Cyclone Michaung, the State repeatedly sought Rs 37,907 crore but received only Rs 276 crore. He added that despite seeking Rs 6,675 crore for damages caused by Cyclone Fengal, the Union government had so far remained silent.
Highlighting alleged fiscal discrimination, Veerapandian said that for every rupee Tamil Nadu contributed as tax revenue, it received only 29 paise.