The Union Urban Development Ministry has cancelled projects worth Rs. 600 crore in the Union Territory which were approved by the erstwhile Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government according to Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister for State V. Narayanasamy.
Addressing the reporters here on Sunday, Mr. Narayanasamy, who was flanked by Congress MLA A. Namasivayam, claimed that due to his initiative, in 2013 under Jawaharlal Urban Renewal Mission, the UPA government had approved water supply projects for the urban areas covering seven assembly constituencies at an estimated cost of around Rs. 300 crore and another project for Karaikal.
The Centre had also approved for construction of two grade-separators at Indira Gandhi Square and Rajiv Gandhi Square junctions.
Mr. Narayanasamy said Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu has written a letter cancelling those approved projects to the Union Territory.
Even though the ruling All India NR Congress during electioneering for the Lok Sabha polls promised that they will bring more funds, waiver of loans and Statehood if the Narendra Modi-led government came to power, the people had now been betrayed by the Centre.
Financial emergency
“The ruling AINRC government could not obtain fund for any new project after Mr. Modi came to power. What explanation has the Chief Minister to offer as his party and the BJP are political allies?”
Calling upon the Centre to declare financial emergency in the Union Territory, Mr. Narayansamy said a severe financial crisis had enveloped the government which was struggling to even pay salary to its employees.
He said several promises made by the Chief Minister in the election manifesto have not been implemented so far. Schoolchildren took to streets demanding the promised free laptops and students of Bharathidasan Government College for Women protested against the government for its failure to provide it.
He alleged that government has not disbursed any amount towards employees’ provident fund, leave travel concession and Pongal advance.
The government is settling employees’ salaries after obtaining loans and auctioning stocks.
Pointing to the Union government seeking a report on the financial situation of the Union Territory, Mr. Narayanasamy also wanted the government to come out with a white paper on financial position.
Answering a query on estranged Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP P. Kannan, Mr. Narayansamy said he tendered explanation to the show cause notice issued by the high command.
A disciplinary committee under former Union Minister and Senior Congress leader A.K. Antony soon would conduct an enquiry a decision would be taken based on the report.
He also said the party would also seek explanation from Yanam MLA Malladi Krishna Rao who is cosy with the ruling AINRC.
