No government has extended aid to states, Puducherry as much as UPA has: Mukul Wasnik

PUDUCHERRY: Rejecting the charge that the Congress led UPA government at the Centre is partial to non Congress states in dispensing monetary aid, Congress today claimed that no government in the past had extended aid to states and Puducherry as the present one.

"The UPA government is discharging its responsibilities to all states in a fair manner. Never before has a Central government extended assistance to states, including Puducherry to the exent this government has done. Any criticism to the contrary would be unfair and unjust", AICC General Secretary in-charge of party affairs in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry, Mukul Wasnik said.

Addressing reporters on his maiden visit after assuming charge,he said his trip was not to discuss the Congress poll strategy for the Lok Sabha polls, but galvanise party workers to ensure the party regains the position it once enjoyed and to highlight the 'achievements' of the UPA to the people.

To a question,he said not much should be read into their support to DMK nominee in the Rajya Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu. "Our decision to support the DMK nominee is limited decision concerning the poll for the Upper House.I think there should not be any attempt to read into it in any other manner beyond that".

On the Centre's decision to disinvest shares in Neyveli Lignite Corporation) and opposition to it from the workers, among others, he said disinvestment of shares in PSUs was nothing new and had been done in the past during the NDA regime and also in respect of a paper mill in Tamil Nadu.

The disinvestment is in total compliance with SEBI's recommendations and hence there need be no agitation or protest against it, he added.

Wasnik was on a one-day visit to Puducherry along with AICC Secretary Chinna Reddy. He late held discussions with party functionaries on various issues concerning party affairs.