• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Kerala Budget Row: Union Minister George Kurian has found himself at the centre of a political storm after suggesting that Kerala must declare itself a "backward state" if it wants more financial assistance from the Centre. His statement comes amid strong criticism from the Opposition, which claims that Budget 2025 has completely sidelined Kerala.

Kerala Accuses Centre of Neglect

The controversy gained traction after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed deep disappointment over the Union Budget, accusing the Centre of ignoring the state’s urgent financial needs. He pointed out that despite repeated requests for assistance especially for Wayanad, where devastating landslides in July last year killed over 400 people, no special financial package was granted.

"We had sought Rs 24,000 crore as a special package, along with dedicated funds for Wayanad’s disaster recovery. Given the national importance of Vizhinjam Port, we also requested support for its development. Unfortunately, none of these demands were addressed," Vijayan stated.

George Kurian’s ‘Backward’ Remark Triggers Outrage

Responding to the criticism, Union Minister George Kurian said that financial aid is typically allocated to states that struggle with development.

"If Kerala officially declares itself backward, citing poor infrastructure, roads, and education, the Finance Commission will evaluate the situation and submit a report to the Centre. The government will then decide based on that assessment," he explained.

However, his remarks were met with sharp backlash from the ruling Left government.

Also Read: Kolkata: Three Labourers Die In Drain While Cleaning Sewer Line At Leather Complex; BJP Slams TMC Over Safety Lapses

Oppn Leaders Slam Centre’s Stand

CPM state secretary M V Govindan condemned Kurian’s statement, accusing the Centre of deliberately trying to undermine Kerala’s progress.

"The BJP wants Kerala to remain backward, but that will never happen. This is part of their larger agenda to weaken the state by denying it the financial support it deserves," Govindan alleged.

He further claimed that BJP leaders from Kerala themselves support an "anti-Kerala" approach and that the Centre is withholding crucial funds as a means of exerting control over the state.

Budget Speech Leaves Kerala

Adding to the controversy, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not mention Kerala in her hour-and-15-minute-long Budget presentation. Other states such as Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh were also left out, raising further concerns about regional disparities in financial allocations.