Kerala CM takes potshots at functioning of Niti Aayog

Kochi, Dec 20: Taking potshots at the functioning of Niti Aayog, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said more clarity is needed on the system brought by the NDA government replacing Planning Commission which used to formulate the five-year plan process introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru.

"Niti Aayog was brought replacing Planning Commission which used to formulate five-year plan system brought by Nehru. There is not much clarity about the functioning of Niti Aayog -- the new system," Chandy, a senior Congress leader, said.

He was speaking after releasing a book on Nehru yesterday evening at a university near here.

"Giving more importance to Niti Aayog by keeping away the existing five-year plan system is not good for the country", Chandy said.

Hailing the five-year plan system introduced by Nehru, he said it was he who led India to the path of development by removing all obstacles. Cautioning against moving away from the path of Nehru, he said such a move would push the country into big danger.

"The recent trend of deviating from the vision of Nehru will lead to communal polarisation in the country," Chandy said.

"Nehru's views on secularism and national integrity are being distorted in many parts of the country.

"Any attempt towards breaching the secular ideals of the first Prime Minister will lead the country into a catastrophic situation. It is Nehru who laid the foundation for modern India," the Chief Minister said.

He was speaking at a function in connection with the 125th birth anniversary of Nehru, organised by Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Bhasha Institute.

Chandy also released a book on Nehru's Life and Vision, authored by Prof Antony Issac.

PTI