AIADMK seeks Rs.9,000 cr to combat COVID-19, for free movement of trucks

Chennai, Apr 8 () The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu onWednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensureunhindered movement of trucks transporting essentials to thestate Nadu and also take steps to immediately release Rs.9,000crore grant to combat COVID-19 while pledging its support tothe measures taken by the Centre.

These demands were put forth during Modi's videoconference with political leaders, AIADMK Rajya Sabha member ANavaneethakrishnan, who represented the party in theinteraction, told reporters here.

"As Tamil Nadu is dependent on the northern States forgroceries, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami wanted me toconvey to the PM to ensure those trucks were not stopped atthe borders and facilitate unhindered movement," he said.

He had also requested the PM to grant Rs.9,000 crore toTamil Nadu, as sought by Palaniswami, to combat the COVID-19disease and deal with its aftermath.

In a recent letter to the Prime Minister, Palaniswami hadsaid this should be in addition to the other forms offinancial transfers to the states envisaged in the UnionBudget and could be financed through borrowing from theReserve Bank of India.

Expressing satisfaction over the steps taken by both thestate and central governments, Navaneethakrishnan said theAIADMK would support all the initiatives of the BJP-led NDAgovernment at the Centre in fighting the spread of the virus.

Asked if the 21-day lockdown which commenced on March 24,would be extended, he replied "It is a decision which ought tobe taken by the Chief Minister."

During the video conference, the members were given adetailed presentation on the health, economic and long-termmeasures initiated by the center to overcome the pandemic. CORR VGNVS VS