Dismissing as untrue that the Centre adopted a “negative approach” towards Tamil Nadu on critical issues, Union minister of state in PMO V. Narayanasamy asserted that the state had received adequate financial support from it.
“The Centre has given financial support to Tamil Nadu for development of ports, capacity generation, whether it is at Neyveli Lignite Corporation or Tuticorin thermal power corporation,” Narayanasamy told mediapersons here on Saturday.
Union shipping minister G.K. Vasan also dismissed the chief minister’s charge that the Centre was giving step-motherly treatment, and said, “As for Tamil Nadu, in the eight-and-a-half-year rule of the UPA government, schemes worth several crores have been given besides undertaking numerous schemes.”
“One can proudly say that the Centre has a part in the development of Tamil Nadu,” he added.
On the Cauvery issue, too, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had ordered Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu, Mr Vasan pointed out, and said, “Likewise, the UPA government is acting responsibly to resolve the issue of Koodankulam nuclear power plant.
Even today, there are many who are obstructing the scheme. The Centre is hoping that all the problems are cleared and the power crisis in the state is resolved soon.”
On BJP’s opposition to the appointment of Mr Ranjit Sinha as the CBI director, Mr Vasan said, “The Prime Minister has clearly said CBI cannot be headless. We are sure that the people of the country will accept it.” Denying any violation in the appointment, Mr Narayanasamy asserted that Mr Sinha was appointed as per rules within seven days of the post falling vacant.
Charging the opposition with trying to obstruct the functioning of Parliament, Mr Vasan said, “People will never accept that. Be it FDI in retail or any other issue, the UPA government is ready to discuss it in Parliament. I ask the opposition to cooperate.”