Congress turned federal system to unitary: Badal

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Sunday blamed the successive Congress central governments for turning the federal system of government into a unitary one by usurping powers of the states.

"By adopting the policy of excessive centralization of powers, the successive Congress governments at the centre have turned it into a unitary form of government, which has resulted in the lopsided development of the many areas that was not in the interest of the country," Badal told media here, 110 km from Chandigarh.

Badal said that the only solution for removing this regional disparity was to implement the true federal structure in the country, by giving more powers to the states.

The chief minister sought devolution of taxes to states, so that more funds are placed at the disposal of states for ensuring balanced growth.

He said that state governments were far better connected to the common people for their needs and problems and could implement schemes.

Badal noted that in the existing system, states were virtually at the mercy of the central government to carry out development works.

"We have to seek permission from the centre for even constructing a small stretch of road, which is totally wrong," he added.