AGARTALA, Feb 2 (TIWN): Former CPI-M Minister Badal Chowdhury lashed out the BJP Govt for removing planning commission, which was in India since independence.

Chowdhury said, with the removal of the Planning Commission, by the replacement of NITI Aayog, states lost all rights to demand funds from centre from 2014.

He was referring 2008’s funding matters based on which the BJP Govt filed case against him when said so.

He briefed, how Tripura’s development held under the previous Govts at Centre before Modi Govt assumed power, with sufficient funding due to the Planning Commission.

He said, some bargaining took place and everytime, more funds were sought when the planning commission was in existence. So there was right to speak but now the Modi Govt almost stopped funding and the country is moving ahead with huge unemployment, privatization of Govt organizations and companies.