Congress plays down Mamata ultimatum

New Delhi, April 21 (IANS) Playing down the ultimatum of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for a moratorium on interest payment burden of the state, the Congress Saturday said the central government will have a "constructive approach" towards such demands.

Party spokesperson Manish Tewari said every chief minister has some legitimate expectations and aspirations and wants the best possible. He said Banerjee's demand was not a threat.

"It is very important that in public discourse, when aspirations are articulated by individuals or states, these should not be seen from the terminology of threat," Tewari said.

However, he added that such demands may make catchy headlines but there is a certain sense of responsibility which all stakeholders in public discourse should exercise.

Banerjee has raised her demand for an interest moratorium days before the start of second phase of parliament's budget session. She has given the central government a 15-day ultimatum and warned that its "indifferent attitude" could become a "big issue".

Tewari said the central government will have a "constructive approach" towards such demands.

"If any chief minister has aspirations, which are legitimate and will really benefit imperatives are met and will do all that can legitimately be done."

The Congress leader said the track record of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) showed that in last eight years, the net transfer of resources from the central government to states had increased substantially.