Lucknow, June 5 -- Major political parties on Wednesday demanded that the 16th Finance Commission should give special attention to Uttar Pradesh as it has the largest population. They also said the commission should recommend an increase in the state share in central taxes from 41% to at least 50%.A three-member delegation represented the BJP before the Finance Commission team on Wednesday and handed over a proposal carrying several suggestions. State BJP general secretary Subhash Yaduvansh, state treasurer Manish Kapoor and UP SIDCO chairman VP Singh were part of the delegation. The delegation proposed digitalisation of the gram panchayat with digital sachivalaya, mandi and godown. They also proposed special packages for middle-class farmers and reforms in the farming sector. The BJP delegation also proposed special assistance to the MSME sector and suggested a special package to the state for focusing on rural economy "We pointed out to the Finance Commission that around 73% of the state's population resides in villages. Therefore, overall development of villages must be ensured," state BJP general secretary Subhash Yaduvansh said. "We also pointed out that special attention needs to be given to Uttar Pradesh as it is the biggest state in terms of population," Yaduvansh added. The BJP delegation stressed on proper rollout of the "smart villages and smart cities" project in the state.Those aware of the development said representatives of panchayati raj institutions, urban local bodies and trade and industry have also made their point to the panel.Senior Samajwadi Party leader and former UP assembly speaker Mata Prasad Pandey said the 14th Finance Commission had recommended 42% share to states in the central taxes. He said the 15th Finance Commission, however, brought the state's share down to 41% and the same should be increased to at least 50%. Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee spokesman Manish Hindavi also said his party has demanded an increase in the state's share to at least 50%. He said a Congress delegation met the commission and also demanded that it should recommend making cess and surcharges part of the divisible pool....