Commenting on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s disappointment with the Central Government’s annual economic package for her state, the BJP today accused the Centre of discrimination against the states ruled by the non-Congress parties. “Ms Jayalalithaa has raised an issue of very critical importance. The Congress Government is discriminating against the states ruled by the non-Congress parties. Today that pain is also being felt by Ms Jayalalithaa,” BJP chief spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said at a press conference. The BJP leader said the Planning Commission and the Government need to understand that this plan allocation was a part of the process. “As far as the money is concerned, it is the share of the state governments from the earning of various taxable revenue. Therefore, the states need to be treated with respect and also consideration, which I regret to say is not being felt over the years,” Mr Prasad added. Expressing her unhappiness over the central government’s assistance, Ms Jayalalithaa said the Centre sidelined all her demands for special package for her state. UNI
