Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said that Samajwadi Party will take a call on GST after evaluating all pros and cons because centrally sponsored schemes have been financially detrimental for the Uttar Pradesh Government. “I cannot comment on our support to GST now. We will have to go through it minutely and then only I can say something about it. Till now we have very bad experience with Central legislations … all of them have financially ruined the state,” Yadav told reporters after cabinet meeting here on Tuesday.
“We have not received the financial help for farmers who were devastated by rains in February and March. Fifty districts have been declared drought hit and we do not know when we will get help from the centre. Till that time we will have to make our own preparations,” he said.
He said following recommendations of 14the finance commission many centrally sponsored schemes have been abolished or have been dovetailed. Because of this UP has suffered a major loss. “We have to see the clauses as how UP stands benefited from implementation of GST. How money would be refunded. What is formula of refund. UP is a big state and the most populated state of India and our government cannot take a decision without evaluating nuances,” he said.
When his attention was drawn towards BSP Chief Mayawati’s support to the GST Yadav said she might not have evaluated the losses the state is likely to suffer. “I cannot comment on BSP’s decision … kuch log bina soche samjhe nirnaya le lete hain (some people take decision without giving it a thought),” he said adding that the issue would be debated in the House (lok Sabha) and then Samajwadi Party would take a decision. While speaking in Rajya Sabha Mayawati had assured a safe passage to GST if the legislation speeds up economic reforms.
Yadav however cautioned people saying they should not take Mayawati on her face value. “Remember she had said that she would not construct memorials anymore but when a wall of a park was demolished to give a safe passage her party leaders staged protest,” he said. When asked about his government’s decision to take control of Bankey Bihari temple in Mathura and Vindhyavasini temple in Mirzapur Yadav said government had also taken control of Kashi Vishwanath temple to improve facilities. “People in large numbers visit these places and every government should help in improving facilities for pilgrims,” he said. Yadav assured that cane dues will be cleared and sugar mills will start crushing as per schedule.