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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Rajnath Singh chairs IGoM meet, urges constant vigil over West Asia crisis
New Delhi (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday emphasised the need for round-the-clock monitoring of the West Asia conflict and called for a calibrated response to deal with any eventuality to ensure that national interests remain protected.
Singh made the comments while chairing a high-level meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) set-up to monitor the situation in West Asia.
The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Power Minister Manohar Lal, Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister J P Nadda, Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi and Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw.
In view of the "uncertain situation", the defence minister underlined the importance of round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and the need to respond in a calibrated manner to deal with any eventuality, an official readout said.
He stressed on the need to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the people of the country face the minimum effect of the conflict, it said.
It was the second meeting of the IGoM after it was set up last month.
The IGoM was apprised of the measures being taken by the government in the wake of the ongoing West Asia conflict, Singh said on social media.
"We also deliberated upon the next steps to be taken by the government to mitigate any adverse impact arising due to the ongoing conflict," he said.
The defence ministry said in the readout said, "In the meeting, the seven empowered groups of secretaries briefed the IGoM on the steps being taken to tackle the situation."
"The IGoM was apprised about measures undertaken by the Ministry of Finance to address concerns arising due to global trade disruptions and provide relief and support to the industry, especially manufacturing, and bolster investor confidence," it said.
It listed measures including notification issued on Wednesday on full customs duty exemption on 40 critical petrochemical products till June 30.
The ministry also mentioned announcement of a special one-time relief measure for eligible units in SEZs to sell manufactured goods in Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional customs duty rates to be effective from April 1 to March 31.
It also noted another notification issued by the Department of Revenue clarifying that the provisions of GAAR (General Anti Avoidance Rules) will not be invoked in respect of investments made prior to April 1, 2017.
"These measures will reduce cost pressures on downstream sectors including textiles, packaging and pharmaceuticals, facilitate supply stability in the country and provide requisite clarity for investors contemplating investments in India," the readout said.
Defence Minister Singh appreciated the government's decision to impose a 25 per cent cap on the monthly increase in aviation turbine fuel prices for domestic operations, with effect from April 1.
This step will help protect the people from sudden increase in fares, he said.
The government has accorded highest priority to domestic LPG supply, with refinery production enhanced to fully meet consumption requirements, according to the readout.
"The IGoM was informed that there have been no reports of dry-out at LPG distributorships, and delivery of domestic LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders continues as per the normal schedule. The temporary supply concerns arose due to instances of hoarding and black marketing, which triggered panic buying in certain areas," it said.
The ministers were informed that strict enforcement action is being undertaken, with raids being carried out across multiple states and Union territories to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG, the ministry said in the readout.
Action has also been taken against some LPG distributors who engaged in malpractices, it said.
"To support migrant labour and low-consumption households, the government is ensuring adequate availability of 5 kg free trade LPG cylinders, and since March 23, over 4.3 lakh such cylinders have been sold. Special focus is being given to states where demand is higher," it said.
The IGoM was apprised that industrial requirements dependent on commercial LPG are being met, with over 80 per cent of pre-crisis supply levels being maintained to ensure continuity of operations.
"Special meetings have been held with ministries and stakeholders of different industries to understand their demand and meet their needs. Oil PSUs are ensuring continued supply of Auto LPG across the country," the readout noted.
"However, some supply constraints are being faced by private operators due to their procurement challenges, which is why lines are being observed at PSU auto LPG pumps. Wherever the autos are dual feed and can use petrol, they are being encouraged to use petrol," it said.
