BJP criticises Puducherry CM for skipping NITI Aayog meeting

PUDUCHERRY: BJP's Puducherry unit today criticised Chief Minister N Rangasamy, an ally of NDA, for not attending the recent NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi, saying he had lost an opportunity to take up development projects concerning the Union Territory.

BJP state General Secretary V Saminathan in a release here said had Rangasamy participated in the deliberations he would have had an opportunity to place before Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chairman of the body, various development projects and obtain sanction for them.

Stating that Niti Aayog was set up by Modi after dismantling the Planning Commission so as to enlist the views and requirements of the States, he said by skipping the meeting, Rangasamy had caused hindrances to development of Puducherry.

"In the future the Chief Minister should ensure that he participates in the deliberations in the larger interest of development of Puducherry," Swaminthan said.