hiruvananthapuram, Feb 2 (PTI) – The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has strongly condemned Union Minister George Kurian for his recent remarks regarding Kerala’s financial allocations in the Union Budget 2025-26, demanding an immediate retraction and a public apology.
Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan launched a scathing attack on the Minister of State for Fisheries and Minority Affairs, accusing him of insulting the state with his comments. He also questioned whether BJP’s other Kerala representative in the Union Cabinet, Suresh Gopi, shared Kurian’s stance.
"You announce that Kerala is backward, that it does not have roads, good education, etc. If you say that Kerala is behind other states in terms of education, infrastructure, and social welfare, then the (Finance) Commission will examine it and give a report to the Central government," Kurian had stated in New Delhi on Saturday.
His remarks triggered widespread anger among opposition leaders, who viewed it as an affront to Kerala’s progress and achievements.
"George Kurian, who insulted the state, has no right to remain in office even for a moment. He should withdraw his statement and apologise to the people of Kerala," he demanded.
The CPI(M) leadership, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Finance Minister K N Balagopal, joined the opposition chorus, branding the Union Budget as "extremely disappointing", "condemnable", and "unfortunate" for completely overlooking Kerala’s key demands.
Satheesan further alleged that the Sangh Parivar's agenda aims to undermine Kerala’s long-standing achievements, asserting that neither Kurian nor Gopi had the political will to secure the state’s rightful share of resources.
As tensions escalate, political observers believe this budget controversy could fuel further Centre-state tensions in the coming days, with both the LDF and UDF uniting against the BJP-led central government over alleged financial discrimination against Kerala.
Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan launched a scathing attack on the Minister of State for Fisheries and Minority Affairs, accusing him of insulting the state with his comments. He also questioned whether BJP’s other Kerala representative in the Union Cabinet, Suresh Gopi, shared Kurian’s stance.
Kurian’s Controversial Statement Sparks Outrage
The controversy erupted after Kurian, responding to criticism from the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the UDF, suggested that Kerala should declare itself a "backward state" if it wanted more financial aid from the Centre."You announce that Kerala is backward, that it does not have roads, good education, etc. If you say that Kerala is behind other states in terms of education, infrastructure, and social welfare, then the (Finance) Commission will examine it and give a report to the Central government," Kurian had stated in New Delhi on Saturday.
His remarks triggered widespread anger among opposition leaders, who viewed it as an affront to Kerala’s progress and achievements.
Opposition Calls for Minister’s Resignation
Reacting sharply, Satheesan asserted that Kurian had no moral right to continue as a minister after making such an insulting statement."George Kurian, who insulted the state, has no right to remain in office even for a moment. He should withdraw his statement and apologise to the people of Kerala," he demanded.
The CPI(M) leadership, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Finance Minister K N Balagopal, joined the opposition chorus, branding the Union Budget as "extremely disappointing", "condemnable", and "unfortunate" for completely overlooking Kerala’s key demands.
Kerala’s Demands Ignored in Union Budget 2025-26
Opposition and ruling party leaders alike highlighted that Kerala had sought:- A ₹24,000 crore special financial package
- A rehabilitation package for Wayanad
Satheesan further alleged that the Sangh Parivar's agenda aims to undermine Kerala’s long-standing achievements, asserting that neither Kurian nor Gopi had the political will to secure the state’s rightful share of resources.
As tensions escalate, political observers believe this budget controversy could fuel further Centre-state tensions in the coming days, with both the LDF and UDF uniting against the BJP-led central government over alleged financial discrimination against Kerala.
Last updated by a enewsx:
