Finance Minister, Opposition clash in Kerala Assembly over state finances
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Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Assembly witnessed heated exchanges on Monday between Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal and the Congress-led Opposition during a debate on the state’s financial crisis, discussed as an adjournment motion.
Opening his reply, Balagopal dismissed allegations that he was treating the state’s finances like his personal property. He highlighted a steady rise in non-tax revenue, which, he said, had allowed the government to manage the situation without shutting down the Treasury.
“We are managing financial allocation prudently. Not a single rupee has been diverted by this government. We will not compromise on tax collection or bow down to tax evaders,” he said.
Leader of the Opposition and senior Congress leader V.D. Satheesan painted a contrasting picture, calling the current crisis “unprecedented in history.” He alleged that even government cheques could not be cleared, adding that Supplyco and the Kerala Medical Services Corporation were in deep trouble, with arrears to employees and pensioners standing at Rs one lakh crore. Satheesan also warned that alarming details related to the GST Intelligence were yet to emerge.
Balagopal countered by stressing that the state government’s approach was to “hold people together with sincerity,” while highlighting achievements such as the Vizhinjam port project. He assured that funds for contractors and local self-government bodies were being disbursed and promised that allocations would be released before the upcoming local body elections.
“Despite difficulties, Kerala witnessed an Onam like never before. Nothing has come to a standstill,” he remarked.
The Assembly also unanimously passed a resolution opposing the hasty implementation of the Special Investigation and Audit Report (SIAR), noting that it could not be treated as a mere procedural step.
Congress legislator Mathew Kuzhalnadan, who presented the motion, accused the state government of slashing projects and taking shortcuts in economic management, while also criticising lapses in tax collection.
The debate highlighted deep divisions in the Assembly, with the Opposition insisting that Kerala is facing a severe liquidity crisis, while the state government maintained that it was effectively managing challenges without halting essential functions.
With IANS inputs
