AIADMK has to be 'people-compatible' on Food Security Bill

CHENNAI: Congress today said that the ruling AIADMK has to be "people-compatible" on Food Security Bill since both the Centre and State government were stakeholders for the people of Tamil Nadu on this matter.

"(UPA Chairperson) Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's commitment is that state and centre must partner together. We may not be politically compatible but we have to be people compatible. For the people of Tamil Nadu, the state government and government of India are joint stakeholders," AICC special representative and Haryana Industries Minister Randeep Singh Surjewala said.

Speaking to reporters after addressing TNCC office-bearers on UPA's flagship Food Security Bill and others, Surjewala said the food security legislation also mandates that the quota of foodgrains, rice in the case of Tamil Nadu, would remain intact even after its implementation.

Any "misconception" that the allocation will decrease arose out of a lack of understanding of the legislation, he said even as Jayalalithaa had opposed the Food Security Bill on grounds including decrease in quota of allocation of rice.

"Whether Below Poverty Line or Above Poverty Line, there is a quota fixed. A quota has been fixed for Tamil Nadu also in consultation and written consent of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The Act mandates and promises that this quota cannot be reduced. Once the quota cannot be reduced there is no chance of any misconception about reduction," he said.

In case the state desires for additional subsidy for rice, the Chief Minister has to "deliberate" the matter with Gandhi and Singh, he said adding the Prime Minister was "receptive" to any social issues taken up by any state.