(Image source from: })
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held one-to-one discussions with Jayalalithaa, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, on present issues and political situation of the State and Centre, at her Poes Garden residence. PM Modi sought after the AIADMK support for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) legislation in Parliament.
The 50-minute meeting has not involved any BJP unit of Tamil Nadu or the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Jayalalithaa did not attend the PM’s first official engagement in Tamil Nadu, the launch of the National Handloom Day. O. Panneerselvam, Finance Minister, read out Ms. Jayalalithaa’s message on the occasion.
Also read: Indian Handlooms - artisans creativity
AIADMK support for GST bill
During the meeting, PM Modi tried to calm the State Government’s trepidation about the GST bill. Fearing the loss of around Rs.10,000 crore upon introduction of the new tax regime, a dissent note was recorded on GST by AIADMK to the Rajya Sabha Committee.
The AIADMK, which is not part of the government at the Centre, offers support through BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government on crucial issues. The GST bill was how ever opposed by the party along with congress. PM is very keen to get the AIADMK into positive note.
Jayalalithaa rose Cauvery, Mullaperiyar issues
The one-to-one meeting was used by Ms. Jayalalithaa to raise Cauvery, Mullaperiyar issues, which are long pending. Jayalalithaa urged intervene by the Center in the favor of Tamil Nadu.
In the memorandum submitted by Jayalalithaa to the Prime Minister, the Centre was called to form the Cauvery Management Board and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee to implement the Final Order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal. In order to guard the Mullaperiyar Dam in Kerala, the deployment of Central Industrial Security Force was called. Interlinking of the peninsular rivers, and retrieval the Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka and restoration of traditional fishing rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen, are amongst others.
-Sumana
