CPI's D Raja Defends CM Boycott of NITI Aayog Meeting

CPI general secretary D Raja defended the decision of several chief ministers to boycott NITI Aayog meetings, alleging that the central government's unfair distribution of taxes and funds is the reason behind their move. He accused the Modi-led government of failing to uphold fiscal federalism and disregarding state concerns.

CPI general secretary D Raja on Saturday defended the boycott of the NITI Aayog meetings by several chief ministers, asserting that the central government's actions justified their protest.

Raja accused the Centre of not properly sharing taxes and funds with the states, leading to legitimate grievances among the boycotting chief ministers.

Chief ministers from various states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, and Jharkhand opted to skip the meeting, protesting the Centre's alleged discriminatory approach.

Raja emphasized that the Constitution mandates equal treatment of state governments by the union government, but the current administration headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi fails to respect this principle.

Highlighting the dismantling of the old Planning Commission and the formation of NITI Aayog, Raja questioned the latter's efficacy and mandate in policy decisions, supporting the chief ministers' stance.

(With inputs from agencies.)