Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi refuted various Union ministers' claims that the state is getting adequate funds from the Centre.
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today demanded that the Centre cleared pending funds to the tune of Rs 20,000 crore due to the state, failing which he threatened to carry out a demonstration during the winter session of Parliament.
"I will wait for next 15-20 days. If nothing happens and we do not get the money, then I will go and give a demonstration in Parliament," Mr Gogoi told a press conference.
The chief minister said he would hold the protest during the Parliament's forthcoming winter session, which will begin from November 26 and continue till December 23.
"Assam is supposed to get around Rs 20,000 crore in total from the Centre under various heads and dues. This amount accumulated since the last 8-10 years," Mr Gogoi said.
He regretted that though he had met and gave presentations to the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and Union Finance Minister urging them to release the amount due to the state as soon as possible, but "nothing happened so far".
The major chunk of the due amount comprises oil royalty, which stands at over Rs 10,000 crore, from the Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) firms, Mr Gogoi said.
He also accused the Centre of neglecting the North East and Assam by withdrawing the Special Category Status and suspending the North East Industrial & Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP).
"I will go on fighting for the interest of Assam. I will continue my fight till the Special Category Status and NEIIPP are restored," Mr Gogoi said.
The Chief Minister also refuted various Union ministers' claims that the state is getting adequate funds.
"Let there be an open discussion between me and any central minister over fund allocation issue. Please come to Doordarshan and discuss. We will talk with proofs. Let the people know who is telling the truth," he added.