CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan.
Credit: X/@GovindanMaster
Thiruvananthapuram: Two Union ministers from Kerala, especially Union minister of state for fisheries George Kurian, faced strong criticism for their remarks justifying lack of any specific allocation for Kerala in the budget.
Responding to media questions on the alleged discrimination towards Kerala in the budget, Kurian said that Kerala should "declare itself as a backward state if it wants to get more allocations in the budget."
"More allocations were made to backward states in the budget. Let Kerala too declare itself as backward in terms of roads, infrastructure and education so that the state can get more allocation," he told reporters.
The ruling CPM and opposition Congress reacted strongly to the comments.
CPM state secretary M V Govindan said that the BJP's attempts to win elections in Kerala were failing. "Hence the party now wants to frame the state as a poor one. Their attempts to cause much financial crunches to Kerala by cutting due allocations from the Centre have failed."
Opposition leader V D Satheesan of the Congress said that Kurian did not have the moral right to continue as a minister after making such insulting remarks about a state. "He should withdraw his statement and tender an apology," he said.
Union minister of state for petroleum and tourism Suresh Gopi tried to justify the alleged discrimination towards Kerala in the budget by stating that instead of screaming, the state should try to spend judiciously. He did not comment on Kurian's remarks.
BJP state president K Surendran also justified the Centre by stating that Kerala failed in properly taking up its needs with the Centre. "The bogus claims of the state of having attained number one status on various aspects had its adverse effect," he said.
Union Budget 2025 | Nirmala Sitharaman, as Finance Minister, presented her record 8th Union Budget this time. While inflation has burnt a hole in the pockets of 'aam janata', the Modi govt gave income tax relief for those making up to Rs 12 lakh per year in salaried income. Track the latest coverage, live news, in-depth opinions, and analysis only on Deccan Herald. Also follow us on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.