CPI(M) urges Centre to confer statehood to Pondy

Puducherry, Feb 20 (UNI) The CPI(M) in Puducherry today urged the Centre to confer special category state status to Puducherry.

In a statement here, CPI(M) State Secretary V Perumal said Sikkim with four lakh population and Arunachal Pradesh with nine lakh population had obtained statehood in 1985 and Mizoram with seven lakh population in 1987.

However, Puducherry with ten lakh population is yet to get statehood and has to rush to the capital for all issues since it lacks powers to take decisions, he said.

Mr Perumal said the Centre should grant special category state status to Puducherry with a ten year financial grant and urged the Chief Minister to convene an all party meeting to discuss the issue.

He said the government should take steps to curb the price rise of essential commodities.

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