Chief Minister may highlight funds arrears in Delhi

The first Niti Aayog meeting has already gained political significance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to chair the meeting after his successful victory for the second consecutive term.

As chairperson of Niti Aayog, the PM will address the state Chief Ministers and Palaniswami has prepared a detailed report seeking funds for the state.

The AIADMK leader is also expected to raise a host of issues, especially the pending funds from the Centre under Cyclone Gaja relief and summer mitigation heads. With the state sanctioning Rs 500 crore for Kudimaramathu and drinking water projects, the state delegation is to press seeking funds for desalination and drinking water augment plans.

The Centre had also kept huge arrears under the national disaster management funds, GST rebate and sanctions to local bodies are pending for the past two years.

AIADMK party sources said that the AIADMK joint convenor will also meet Prime Minister Modi on the side lines of the meeting during which issues like the elections to Rajya Sabha, Cauvery water dispute and a decision on AIADMK taking part in the Union Cabinet are to be discussed.

Sources also said that Palaniswami will be meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah and call on few other BJP leaders.

The AIADMK leader is also likely to discuss the political scenario and is to discuss the continuity of NDA alliance for the upcoming civic polls. Palaniswami will also try to seek a ministry berth for AIADMK MPs, but the final decision will be taken by PM Modi, party sources opined.

Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar, AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP R Vaithilingam and Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan had also left for Delhi.