Chennai: Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram today (Dec 19, 2004) denied Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's charge that the 12 Ministers from the State in the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government had not done anything to benefit the people.

"If that is so, how can the State get an enhanced annual plan outlay?," he asked while taking to reporters after meeting DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) president M Karunanidhi at his residence this morning.

It was only due to the presence of the 12 Ministers that the union Government had approved the Sethusamudram project and a desalination plant in Chennai.

"People know who is responsible for the schemes coming to the State", he said.

Earlier, he called on Karunanidhi and enquired about his health.