Kerala Leaders Criticize Union Budget
KN Balagopal and Pinarayi Vijayan Speak Out
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), July 23: Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal criticized the Union Budget, stating that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not announce any special package for Kerala. During a press conference, Balagopal expressed disappointment, saying, “The first budget of the Modi government (3.0) is totally disappointing for the state. It is not only for the state but for the entire country. We expected that some kind of new measures will be there for more employment, economic activity, and development.”
He added, “For farmers, for youth, and for different sectors. We expected that something more would be there. The economy will boost after the elections…that is what we expected.” Balagopal also mentioned that Kerala is only getting 21 percent of the total revenue expenditure of the state, whereas other states are getting around 48-49 percent. He noted, “There is no special package for Kerala…During campaigning, BJP leaders said if they win a seat, Kerala will benefit. The account is open but Kerala’s account is closed…Every state should get their due share.”
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also criticized the budget, alleging that it shows a discriminatory attitude towards states, particularly Kerala. In a series of posts on X, CM Vijayan said, “The #Budget2024 presented by Finance Minister @nsitharaman exhibits a discriminatory attitude towards the states, particularly Kerala. Our genuine demands for AIIMS, disaster relief packages, and interventions for the tourism sector have been met with deafening silence.”
He added, “This indifference undermines the aspirations of Keralites and is deeply disheartening. While the budget includes several claims about empowering the nation through effective interventions, it glaringly omits the crucial issue of fiscal empowerment for states. Instead, there are further moves to constrain the finances of states, which poses a significant challenge to our autonomy and development.”
CM Vijayan concluded, “This unsympathetic and discriminatory stance must be called out and actively resisted. We stand firm in advocating for the rights and needs of Kerala and demand fair and just consideration.”
Doubts Revealed
Kerala -: Kerala is a state in the southern part of India, known for its beautiful backwaters, beaches, and rich culture.
Union Budget -: The Union Budget is a financial plan presented by the government of India every year, detailing how it will spend money and collect taxes.
KN Balagopal -: KN Balagopal is the Finance Minister of Kerala, responsible for managing the state’s finances and budget.
Pinarayi Vijayan -: Pinarayi Vijayan is the Chief Minister of Kerala, the head of the state government.
AIIMS -: AIIMS stands for All India Institute of Medical Sciences, a group of public medical colleges in India known for high-quality medical education and research.
discriminatory attitude -: A discriminatory attitude means treating someone unfairly or differently based on certain characteristics, like where they are from.
disaster relief -: Disaster relief refers to help and support given to people and areas affected by natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or cyclones.
tourism sector -: The tourism sector includes businesses and activities related to travel and visiting places for leisure, like hotels, travel agencies, and tourist attractions.
