BJP flays Kerala govt over fund blockade claim, challenges CM to debate performance
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Monday accused the Kerala government of “challenging the common sense of people” by blaming the Centre for an alleged blockade of funds.
Chandrasekhar held a press conference in the wake of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and LDF leaders holding a day-long protest at the Martyrs Memorial in Palayam here, alleging a financial blockade by the central government against the state.
Chandrasekhar said the Pinarayi Vijayan-led CPI(M) government has been in power for nearly 10 years and should present a report card of its performance.
“A government that has ruled for 10 years should explain what it has done for the people. That is the basic courtesy in a democracy,” he said.
He alleged that the CPI(M)-led government has been trying to divert public attention for several years, and that its recent claims of the Centre's denial of funds surfaced only after its defeat in local body elections and with Assembly polls approaching.
“A government in power for a decade should present a report card of what it has done for the people. To say now that nothing could be done because the Centre did not give funds is challenging the common sense of the people,” he said.
Chandrasekhar invited the Chief Minister for a public debate on the government’s performance, including the state’s economic condition.
He claimed that during the Congress-led UPA rule at the Centre between 2004 and 2014, Kerala received Rs 72,000 crore, while under the Narendra Modi-led NDA government, the state has received Rs 3.2 lakh crore.
“When UPA was in power, Pinarayi Vijayan never protested. Why complain now after receiving four times more funds?” he asked.
According to him, Kerala’s debt stood at Rs 1.04 lakh crore when Vijayan became Chief Minister in 2016 and has now crossed Rs 5 lakh crore.
“After central assistance and borrowings over the last 10 years, the government has received nearly Rs 7 lakh crore. If we include revenue receipts, it goes beyond Rs 10 lakh crore. What is the outcome? Kerala has the highest unemployment rate in the country, nearly 30 per cent, and the highest inflation.”
He further claimed that the state government has not implemented central schemes worth Rs 16,000 crore, citing CAG reports.
“Even today, 54 lakh houses do not have a water supply. The government has no money to pay Rs 6,000 crore to contractors. About 5.5 lakh people are homeless and 45,000 families live in colonies,” he said.
Accusing the CM of building a “fort of lies”, Chandrasekhar said the BJP would dismantle it with facts and evidence.
“The last 10 years have been a decade of Kerala’s decline,” he said, repeating Vijayan’s 2014 remark against a former UDF Chief Minister and adding, “If you have any shame, please resign.”
Responding to a query on Kerala’s demand for more central funds, Chandrasekhar said it was only a “half-truth”.
“The Centre has clearly said funds are released based on a pattern. Utilisation certificates must be submitted and audits conducted,” he said, alleging that the audit of Supplyco has not been carried out for the past five years.
“They neither conduct audits nor submit utilisation certificates. Is the Centre a bank of comrades?” he asked, alleging diversion of funds.
Chandrasekhar claimed that Kerala has one of the highest debt burdens in the country, with around 92 per cent of the budget being spent on debt servicing and interest payments.
“Only eight per cent is left for development and welfare. This burden will be passed on to future generations,” he said, calling the state’s borrowing pattern a sign of “extreme incompetence”.
He also alleged that nearly 95 per cent of development work in Kerala is being carried out with central assistance and said the BJP plans to hold open discussions on the issue over the next 90 days.
Chandrasekhar further charged the UDF and LDF with "diverting attention from real issues" with the sexual assault case involving expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil.
“Why was he arrested only now? Why was there a delay in registering the FIR? Both CPI(M) and Congress are playing politics to divert public attention,” he alleged.
He said Mamkootathil should have been booked and arrested four months ago and that no action was taken even after his expulsion from the Congress.
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Congress’ downfall will start from Baramati if it doesn’t let Sunetra Pawar win unopposed: Bawankule
Nagpur (PTI): The Congress will have to face consequences if it doesn't allow NCP president and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar to win the Baramati assembly bypoll unopposed, said minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Thursday.
The party’s “downfall” will start from Baramati, he said, stressing that the people of Baramati and Maharashtra wish that she is elected unopposed, said the BJP leader.
The April 23 bye election was necessitated after the tragic death of deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who headed the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28. After his death, his wife Sunetra became the party president.
The NCP, BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena are partners in the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state.
“The Congress will face consequences if it doesn’t let Sunetra win unopposed from Baramati. Its downfall will start from Baramati if it doesn’t withdraw its candidate,” Bawankule told reporters in Nagpur.
Amid efforts to ensure an unopposed contest, the Congress has fielded advocate Akash More for the bypoll.
The party had said that it would withdraw from the contest only if an FIR were registered in Ajit Pawar’s death in the Baramati plane crash.
Replying to another question, Bawankule said the BJP’s performance will be more robust in Assam and Kerala elections compared to the last assembly polls in these states. Assembly polls are being held in a single phase in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry on Thursday.
“These elections will once again show Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership commanding support among the people,” he said.
