Thiruvananthapuram

Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday criticised the UDF government's first Budget, arguing that the financial allocations announced by the administration undermine its repeated claims of a grave fiscal crisis.

Speaking to reporters after the Budget presentation, Vijayan said the government's assertion that Kerala is facing an unprecedented financial crunch does not align with the additional spending provisions outlined in the Budget.

“If the government can make fresh allocations exceeding ₹2,000 crore, it cannot at the same time claim that the state's finances are in an extremely precarious condition,” he said.

The CPI(M) veteran maintained that the previous LDF administration had left behind sufficient resources and that those funds could have been deployed for welfare programmes and developmental activities. According to him, the current government has failed to fully utilise the available financial space.

Vijayan also expressed dissatisfaction with the allocations made for various sectors, alleging that several departments had either received reduced funding or less support than expected. He particularly highlighted agriculture, saying the Budget offered no significant relief to farmers involved in rubber, coconut and paddy cultivation.

He argued that the document failed to adequately address the impact of Union government policies on Kerala and accused the UDF administration of focusing more on criticising its predecessor than tackling pressing issues affecting the state.

According to Vijayan, a state Budget should articulate a comprehensive roadmap for Kerala's future and reflect a broader developmental vision. Instead, he claimed, many of the schemes announced were essentially existing programmes from the previous government repackaged under new names.

The opposition leader further alleged that the government had missed an opportunity to strengthen social welfare and poverty-reduction initiatives despite having access to sufficient resources. Additional funding, he said, could have been directed towards improving the lives of economically weaker sections and supporting vulnerable communities.

Turning to the liquor sector, Vijayan accused the government of shifting priorities. He said the previous LDF administration had promoted the production of alcohol from fruits and agricultural produce, creating value-added opportunities for farmers and small entrepreneurs. In contrast, he claimed the current Budget appeared more favourable to large-scale liquor manufacturers.

Vijayan also criticised what he described as the government's growing emphasis on private-sector participation. He argued that several proposals in the Budget mirrored policy directions pursued by the Centre, particularly in the areas of investment and economic development.

Referring to initiatives related to mining and critical minerals, he claimed the new policy approach represented a departure from the LDF government's emphasis on environmentally sustainable and people-centric development.

The former chief minister also voiced concerns over the proposed 'Vision Samudra' programme and Kerala Maritime Policy, warning that they could increase private-sector influence over coastal resources and maritime infrastructure.

He linked the proposed South Kerala Economic Corridor to a broader development strategy centred on private investment and expressed concern about its implications for local communities.

Highlighting what he described as a decline in support for the fisheries sector, Vijayan said coastal residents may feel neglected as the government pursues other priorities.

“The reduced focus on fisheries raises concerns about whether the interests of coastal communities are receiving the attention they deserve,” he said.

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The remarks came shortly after Chief Minister V D Satheesan presented the revised Budget for 2026-27, outlining the UDF government's economic and development agenda amid what it has described as severe fiscal constraints.