Finance Minister K N Balagopal criticized the central government’s fund cuts to Kerala, accusing them of imposing branding demands for every expenditure. Responding to Union Minister V Muraleedharan’s claims, Balagopal stated, “This is center and state relations, not owner and slave relations.”
He highlighted the delayed payment of Rs 600 crore in arrears for social welfare pensions since 2020, emphasizing the central government’s failure to disburse funds for ration supply, paddy procurement, and capital expenditure. Balagopal accused the center of blocking funds, citing specific conditions.
Addressing the Finance Commission allocation, he revealed that Kerala received only Rs 18,000 crore instead of the promised Rs 36,000 crore. In a counterclaim, Muraleedharan attributed Kerala’s financial crisis to the state government’s “extravagance and lavishness,” denying any responsibility on the part of the Centre.
Balagopal countered Muraleedharan’s accusations, asserting that the Union Minister was misleading the public with false statements. Muraleedharan questioned the wisdom of Kerala’s Chief Minister, alleging inconsistency in figures cited by Pinarayi and Balagopal regarding funds withheld by the Centre. The Finance Minister concluded by emphasizing the need for awareness of both national laws and the state’s financial situation.
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