T’puram: Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan criticized state govt’s budget, accusing CM and FM V D Satheesan of abandoning welfare commitments, diluting key policies of previous LDF govt and promoting the interests of private sector. Vijayan alleged that govt had created an impression that Kerala was facing a severe financial crisis. He claimed that though the FM conveyed such a message in his budget speech, the allocations did not support his statement.“If Kerala is facing a financial emergency, how did govt provide an additional allocation of Rs 2,000 crore?” he asked. Vijayan termed Satheesan’s fiscal crisis declaration a political allegation and claimed that LDF govt had left around Rs 6,000 crore in the treasury before exiting office.He said the budget reflected a retreat though the state’s fiscal position was not as weak as being projected. He said allocations for welfare measures were reduced compared to previous budgets and added that the budget failed to provide relief to agri sector.Vijayan accused the govt of ignoring the financial loss Kerala endured due to Centre’s policies and described the govt’s white paper on state finances as an attempt to secure anticipatory bail against future criticism.Claiming that UDF govt had abandoned the vision of ‘Nava Keralam’, he said the budget lacked a blueprint for the future development of state. He alleged that several proposals announced by LDF govt were repackaged under new names.Vijayan questioned the govt’s approach to liquor policy, noting that the budget did not mention the proposal for liquor production from fruits. He alleged that there could be an attempt to facilitate liquor manufacturing by large companies and claimed that the budget reflected the interests of major corporates.Vijayan alleged that the budget was designed to expand opportunities for private sector. He claimed that mineral mining was being opened up to private players and accused the govt of undermining the LDF administration’s policy framework. He expressed concerns over the proposed maritime policy, questioning whether it could lead to greater private sector control over Kerala’s coastline. He alleged political intent behind rewriting land reform laws.Vijayan further alleged that the proposed restructuring of state planning board reflected Centre’s policy approach. He also criticized the treatment of Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board, alleging that efforts were underway to weaken the institution and dismantle it. Similarly, he claimed that the budget signalled an attempt to dilute LIFE Mission housing programme.
