‘DMK must learn from impartial UT govt’

TVK chief Vijay targets BJP over Pondy statehood; 5K cap goes for toss as crowd doubles due to poor management

- BAGALAVAN PERIER B @Puducherry

TAMILAGA Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay, in his first rally since the Karur stampede, in Puducherry on Tuesday, said that despite being part of a coalition government, Puducherry and its longstanding demands, including statehood, have been ignored by the union government.

Despite its population of nearly 20 lakh, Puducherry is not covered under the ambit of the Central Finance Commission due to which there was no clear formula on the devolution of taxes to the union territory, he said.

“Each year, a certain amount is allocated. Most of it goes to salaries and pensions, so the Puducherry government is forced to borrow from the open market. If this is to change, statehood is the only solution,” he said, adding that the UT should be developed into an industrial hub.