Narendra Modi a true federalist, says BJP

BJP President Amit Shah, in a statement, late last night said the Prime Minister has risen above partisan politics by empowering the states financially by enhancing their share in central taxes.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has risen above partisan politics and taken steps for the welfare of the poor and overall progress of the country. The biggest example of this is the NDA govt’s decision to accept the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission,” Shah said in a statement.

Shah said the step will help states be less dependent on the Centre for initiating developmental work.

He added that Modi has tried to build ‘Team India’ by taking everyone along. He also cited the example of setting up of Niti Aayog where the states and the Centre would work together for policy making and country’s progress.

By taking such steps, the BJP chief said the NDA regime is trying to take everyone along in the development process and is taking steps to fulfil the dream of ‘One India, Great India’.

In a big bonanza, the 14th Finance Commission recommended a record 10 per cent increase in the states’ share in the Union taxes to 42 per cent, which has been accepted by the Centre and will give the states an additional Rs 1.78 lakh crore in 2015-16.