LF govt to closely observe Centre-state relations

Tripura's Left Front government will closely observe how the BJP-led new government at the Centre helps the states on various issues such as waiving of debts and tax sharing, a state minister said today.
"It will be our close observation towards the new government on how it wants to help the states and maintain its relations with them," state PWD Minister Badal Chowdhury, who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, told reporters here.
"The Centre will have to be generous. We will demand they waive the debts of the states because it is proving to be a huge burden," the former Tripura finance minister said.

He said there was controversy over the state's share of taxes and most states demanded 5O per cent of it.
"We hope the 14th Finance Commission, which has already started functioning, will discuss the matter with the states and take a move to settle the problem," he added.
He also hoped the new Planning Commission would be formed soon and the plans for the states would be finalised.
To a question, Chowdhury said BJP has come to power with a massive mandate due to anti-people policies of the UPA.
"This government has generated immense hope among the people of the country and now it remains to be seen how the government address the problems," he said.