Union Minister of State for Information L. Murugan has been lying to the people of Puducherry on the quantum of financial assistance given to the Union Territory by the Central government, former Chief Minister and Congress leader V. Narayanasamy has alleged.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, the Congress leader called Mr. Murugan’s statement that Centre was catering to the financial requirements of Puducherry government a “blatant lie”.
“He has lied and insulted the people of Puducherry. Chief Minister N. Rangasamy has commented about the poor financial situation prevailing in the Union Territory. The Chief Minister has also explained the difficulties faced by his government in implementing various schemes. The Central allocation for 2025-26 was only 1.46% when compared to the allocation made during the current fiscal. The budgetary support for the Union Territory should have at least been 10% more for the next fiscal,” the former CM said in Puducherry.
Mr. Narayanasamy said the Madras School of Economics (MSE) had prepared a report on the Union Territory’s finances when he was the Chief Minister. The study by MSE found that the U.T. was eligible for around ₹4,600 crore from the Centre as normal assistance considering the tax remittances from Puducherry. The report was prepared at least five years ago but the Central assistance even now has not crossed ₹3,400 crore. The Centre has completely ignored the concerns of the Puducherry administration, he said.
The Congress leader also flayed the silence of Chief Minister N. Rangasamy on the fate of 13 fishermen from Karaikal arrested by Sri Lankan Navy. “The Chief Minister has not taken any step to secure the release of the fishermen. The Central government too was not bothered about the plight of the fishermen from Puducherry,” he said.
Published – February 10, 2025 09:37 pm IST