List contribution to Tamil Nadu, Jayalalithaa challenges Chidambaram

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa Friday challenged union Finance Minister P.Chidambaram to list out his contribution to his Sivaganga constituency and the state.

Addressing an election rally here, around 455 km from Chennai, Jayalalithaa, referring to her rally speech at Sivaganga, said: "Chidambaram should list out his contribution to Tamil Nadu instead of saying there is no truth in my speech."

She said the country knows that Chidambaram has not done anything to Tamil Nadu or Sivaganga.

Jayalalithaa, also the AIADMK chief, said Chidambaram could have extended the incentives given to industrial investments made in backward districts to Tamil Nadu's southern districts, but alleged that he did not do that because he has no interest in doing good to the people of this state.

She asked Chidambaram whether as the nation's finance minister, does he not share an important role in the country's economy being in shambles.

She also posed to Chidambaram whether is it not true that centre has not given Tamil Nadu Rs.901.76 crore under two educational schemes and Rs.901 crore towards maintenance of roads in the state as recommended by the 13th Finance Commission.

Replying to Chidambaram's criticism of her using an helicopter to reach her rally venues, Jayalalithaa said: "Since 1982 onwards I have toured Tamil Nadu. In the assembly and parliament elections held after 1984 I have campaigned for months."

Jayalalithaa said she had also campaigned for Chidambaram and he had come behind her in an open SUV.

The chief minister said as the time is short and also to reduce the burden on police in providing her security, she is travelling by air and urged Chidambaram to keep quiet then saying something in frustration.