Joining issue with Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa,the Congress on Friday asserted that the UPA government was sanctioning more funds to the states than the previous NDA regime and it was not adopting 'step-motherly treatment' to non-Congress ruled states. There is no truth in Jayalalithaa's allegation that the Centre was adopting one yardstick for states ruled by Congress and its allies and another for non-Congress ruled states, TNCC president B S Gnanadesikan's said. Centre treated all states on par and it was the duty of the state governments to use Central funds effectively and efficiently,he said. On the state government increasing milk prices and bus fares,he demanded that the hike be withdrawn immediately. While announcing an increase in milk prices and bus fares yesterday,Jayalalithaa had alleged that her government had no other option but to announce the hikes as Centre was non-receptive to the state's demand for a special financial package. She had also charged the Centre with meting out step-motherly treatment to non-Congress ruled states and neglecting them. Gnanadesikan,who called on Congress president Sonia Gandhi at her residence today after being appointed TNCC chief,said she had directed him to seek everybody's co-operation and strengthen the party at the grassroots.She assured AICC's full support in this regard,he added.
