Rice at Rs 2 per kg, free colour TV feasible: Chidambaram

Rice at Rs 2 per kg, free colour TV feasible: Chidambaram
Chennai | April 15, 2006 4:33:47 PM IST

The DMK's poll promise to provide Rs two a kg rice under the Public Distribution System and free colour TVs is feasible, Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram said here today.

The question was whether it was feasible or not and not how funds would come or how it could be implemented, he told reporters.

Even Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had not opposed the schemes but only questioned their feasibility, he said, adding, 'Though it will not be nice to comment on another party's manifesto, I personally feel the schemes are feasible.' Congress manifesto would be released in the next one or two days.

Stating the DMK-led DPA would win the May eight Assembly polls, Mr Chidambaram said 'the battle will be tough. But we will win'.

He refused to answer when asked if there would be a coalition government in Tamil Nadu. 'It all depends on the outcome of the polls. Why should we talk about it now? We are confident that DPA will win the elections and DMK will form the new government'.

He suggested that the campaign should focus on the achievements of the two-year UPA government at the Centre and alleged 'anti-people' rule of the AIADMK. 'To the extent possible, political party leaders should refrain from making personal attacks.' Mr Chidambaram claimed the AIADMK government had not come out with concrete proposals for various schemes and it was yet to send its proposal on the desalination plant for Chennai, despite the Congress- led UPA government earmarking Rs 1000 crore in its first budget.

The Centre would increase the outlay for States from Rs 95,000 crore in 2005-06 to Rs 115,000 crore in 2006-07 following increase in tax revenue collection, he added.

UNI GV AA RS1500

Viewer's Comment

Comments Not Available

More Stories