The tussle over the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission between the state and the Centre is further deepened with Biju Janata Dal (BJD) calling it a mathematical jugglery.
The Finance Commission has increased states' share in central taxes from 32 per cent to 42 per cent of the total divisible pool of central tax revenues.
"We will put forth our views on the budget discussion starting from March 13. Some mathematical jugglery is there on increasing the state's share from 32 per cent to 42 per cent. We will present our views with facts how the mathematical jugglery has been done", Bhartruhari Mahatab, MP (Lok Sabha), BJD told media persons after meeting the party supremo and president Naveen Patnaik. "We are playing a role of constructive opposition", Mahatab said.
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The chief minister yesterday met the BJD MPs to finalise the party's strategy to safeguard the state's interest. The meeting was attended by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs of the party.
"We had detailed discussions on how the members of the Parliament should follow up on various issues related to Odisha and for the benefit the state", said Patnaik.
However, countering the BJD's stand, senior BJP' leader and Union minister of state (independent charge) for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan said, the state would get around 62 per cent if the Centre's share in the centrally sponsored schemes is added. "He (Mahatab) was offered chairman post of the finance committee, but BJD declined the post due to party infighting."
