Pondy identity will be preserved: Shanmugham

By S. Nadarajan

PONDICHERRY, MAY 8.The Pondicherry Chief Minister, Mr.P. Shanmugham, today said the Congress-led Government had implemented a number of welfare measures for farm labourers, women and unemployed youth during the last one year.

At an election rally, attended by the party chief, Ms. Sonia Gandhi, at Pakkamodayanpet here, he said a project for setting up a Rs. 1500-crore power plant in Karaikal, proposed 15 years ago when Rajiv Gandhi was Prime Minister, had been expedited. This plant would generate additional power for the region.

Mr. Shanmugham, who is not contesting in the Assembly elections, said the people should not allow the NDA to come to power here. The former Prime Ministers, the late Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, sought to preserve Pondicherry's separate identity and this policy would be pursued by the Congress-led front.

He said that during his tenure, a tax-free budget was presented. A sum of Rs. 60 crores was mobilised without slapping any fresh impost. His Government opposed the uniform sales tax, as it was detrimental to the Union Territory. When the Opposition was in power, it approved the measure.

Mr. Shanmugham pointed out that the Rajiv Gandhi Government took measures in 1985 to revive the Anglo-French Textile mill, when it was in the red and was about to be closed. Efforts were being made to enable the mill to turn the corner.

The PCC president, Mr.V. Narayanaswamy, referred to the commitment of the Congress and its allies to alleviate the sufferings of the people here.

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Section  : State Elections
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