MK urges Centre to unearth 'black money' in country

Tiruchirapalli, Jan 28 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi tonight appealed to the Centre to unearth crores of rupees hidden as 'Black Money' in the country.

Unveiling the bronze statue of freedom fighter and former Chairman of the erstwhile Tiruchirapalli Municipality here, Mr Karunanidhi, quoting statistics, said more than Rs 117000 crore was hidden from the tax purview.

He said ''if entire black money was unearthed, the country could create equality among the people from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.'' Launching an indirect attack on actor-turned-politician and founder of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) Vijayakant, he said ''some people had entered the political arena as if they are decent and will clean the society. They claim that only they can achieve good.'' Praising Rathinavel Devar for his social work, he appealed to the people to follow his good qualities.

State Public Works Department Minister Durai Murugan said the tenders for carrying out the Rs 273 Crore mega flood prevention scheme in River Cauvery and other irrigation channels in Tiruchirapalli District would be floated shortly.

He said the government had sanctioned Rs 230 crore to carry out repair works on the bunds of River Cauvery from Mayanur to Grand Anaicut stretch to prevent floods.

Union Minister for Environment and Forest A Raja and State Ministers Arcot N Veerasamy, Durai Murugan, K Ponmudi, K N Nehru and N Selvaraj also attended the function.

UNI