UPA liberally funds Guj’s Rai Bareilly
Under JNNURM, CM Home Ground Received . 435Cr
Paul John & Kapil Dave TNN
Ahmedabad: Gujarat CM Narendra Modi often criticizes the Centre for the injustice meted out to Gujarat. But when it comes to fund allocation for cities under Union government’s Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), Modi’s constituency is the biggest beneficiary in Ahmedabad.
Modi’s Maninagar received Rs 435 crore for JNNURM projects. The state government and BJP-ruled civic bodies contributed in equal proportions. As per the norm, in every JNNURM project, the Centre contributes 35% while the state government and the local civic body pump in 15% and 50%.
What’s more, the amount spent on infrastructure projects in Maninagar in the last six years is more than 16% of the total money spent, Rs 2,694 crore, on JNNURM projects in the entire city. The amount is disproportionately high as there were 13 assembly constituencies under the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation before new delimitation came into effect. Of the Rs 435.92 crore spent in Maninagar, the Centre contributed Rs 154.84 crore as its share.
The state government shelled out Rs 65.39 crore, while the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation contributed Rs 215.69 crore.
Be it rail overbridges, city’s first double-decker flyover at CTM crossroads, country’s first single-track BRTS corridor, storm water drains, housing for slum oustees or waste treatment plants, Modi has nurtured Maninagar the way the Gandhis have looked after Rai Bareilly or Amethi.
Ahmedabad mayor Asit Vora, who is also the in-charge of Maninagar constituency, says, “Development in Maninagar is for everyone to see. CM’s personal attention has changed the face of Maninagar in the last five years.”
In Sadbhavana mode, Modi is now looking to develop areas around Chandola lake, which is home to a large number of Muslims, including Bengalispeaking immigrants.
