Kochi, Feb 3 (PTI) – The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) on Monday escalated its criticism of Union Ministers George Kurian and Suresh Gopi over their recent controversial remarks, accusing them of displaying contempt for Kerala and making "immature" statements.
Addressing the media, Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V D Satheesan, condemned Kurian’s "backward" remark, which he made on Union Budget day. Satheesan asserted that Kerala was only demanding its rightful share of funds from the Centre and not seeking any undue favors.
Taking a sharp dig at George Kurian, the Minister of State for Minorities and Fisheries, Satheesan alleged that Kurian’s comment implied that the Centre would only provide funds if Kerala declared itself "backward." He emphasized that states receive financial allocations from taxes paid by their people, not as an act of generosity from the Union government.
"Financial procedures should adhere to the Centre-state relations enshrined in the Constitution. However, the Union government’s approach favors states aligned with its political interests," Satheesan claimed.
Kurian’s remark on Saturday, suggesting that Kerala should declare itself "backward" in education, infrastructure, and social welfare to receive more funds, triggered widespread criticism from both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition UDF.
Satheesan also launched a scathing attack on another Union Minister from Kerala, Suresh Gopi, over his controversial statement on "upper castes" managing tribal affairs. Expressing disbelief, Satheesan questioned the outdated mindset behind such a remark.
Gopi, who serves as the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, had stirred controversy on Sunday by suggesting that "upper caste" individuals should take charge of tribal welfare.
"The statements made by both Union Ministers are immature and reflect the BJP-led Centre’s attitude towards Kerala. Their remarks expose their contempt for the state," Satheesan alleged.
The remarks have intensified political tensions in Kerala, with opposition parties demanding accountability from the BJP leadership over its ministers' statements.
Addressing the media, Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V D Satheesan, condemned Kurian’s "backward" remark, which he made on Union Budget day. Satheesan asserted that Kerala was only demanding its rightful share of funds from the Centre and not seeking any undue favors.
Taking a sharp dig at George Kurian, the Minister of State for Minorities and Fisheries, Satheesan alleged that Kurian’s comment implied that the Centre would only provide funds if Kerala declared itself "backward." He emphasized that states receive financial allocations from taxes paid by their people, not as an act of generosity from the Union government.
"Financial procedures should adhere to the Centre-state relations enshrined in the Constitution. However, the Union government’s approach favors states aligned with its political interests," Satheesan claimed.
Kurian’s remark on Saturday, suggesting that Kerala should declare itself "backward" in education, infrastructure, and social welfare to receive more funds, triggered widespread criticism from both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition UDF.
Satheesan also launched a scathing attack on another Union Minister from Kerala, Suresh Gopi, over his controversial statement on "upper castes" managing tribal affairs. Expressing disbelief, Satheesan questioned the outdated mindset behind such a remark.
Gopi, who serves as the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, had stirred controversy on Sunday by suggesting that "upper caste" individuals should take charge of tribal welfare.
"The statements made by both Union Ministers are immature and reflect the BJP-led Centre’s attitude towards Kerala. Their remarks expose their contempt for the state," Satheesan alleged.
The remarks have intensified political tensions in Kerala, with opposition parties demanding accountability from the BJP leadership over its ministers' statements.
