Congress government assailed for "lavish expenditure"

Puducherry unit of CPI(M) on Friday criticised the Congress Government led by V Vaithilingam for its 'lavish and ostentatious expenditure` to refurbish residential premises and offices of ministers since the last few months.

Puducherry unit of CPI(M) on Friday criticised the Congress Government led by V Vaithilingam for its 'lavish and ostentatious expenditure` to refurbish residential premises and offices of ministers since the last few months.

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"All talks on austerity by Congress ministers were only slogans to take the people for a ride. The recent massive hike in salaries and allowances for MLAs and ministers in the union territory had entailed a heavy financial burden on exchequer as they were paid arrears of new pay and allowances with effect from April 2007", CPI(M) secretary V Perumal said in a release here.

When the union territory as a whole was hard pressed for funds to meet the routine commitments of the government, the "extravagant and lavish expenditure" should have been avoided. Perumal said.

He sought a white paper on the actual financial position of the government and expenditure incurred so far in all departments.