Monday, August 14 2006 12:35 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The CPI yesterday (Aug 13, 2006) demanded more political and financial powers to the states saying the federal structure of the nation must be strengthened to fulfil aspirations of the people across India.

New Delhi should not be seen as the 'power centre' and the nation needs strong state as well as Central Governments for India to emerge as a powerful country in the world, CPI national secretary D Raja said addressing a nationalconvention on northeastern states here.

"The federal structure of India must be strengthened to to resolve various conflicts and resentments across the nation. There should be more and more political, economic and financial powers to the states," he said.

The Left leader said the states should get a bigger share of the central tax which would decrease financial dependence of states on Centre.

He said solution to the problems of Northeast could also be found by strengthening the federal structure.

Commenting on situation in the northeast, the CPI leader said the northeastern states are 'strategically very important' for internal as well as external security of the country and Centre must initiate talks with various insurgent groups to bring peace and development to the region.

He also demanded a special economic package for the region saying, unemployment and lack of economic development are responsible for growing insurgency in the region.