Thiruvananthapuram/New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) – Days after his controversial remark labeling Kerala as "backward," Union Minister George Kurian intensified his criticism of the state government, asserting that Kerala "survives" only due to financial assistance from the Centre and lacks any major project it can call its own.
Speaking to Malayalam news channel Asianet News, Kurian accused both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) of crafting a "joint narrative" against the Centre to obscure their own governance failures. He claimed that their efforts aimed to downplay the contributions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kerala’s development.
"Kerala is surviving only because of the Centre’s assistance. Any development that has taken place in the last ten years has been due to PM Modi’s efforts. There is not a single project in Kerala that has not been granted by Modi," the Minister of State for Fisheries and Minority Affairs asserted.
Centre’s Role in Kerala’s Economy
Kurian further alleged that the Kerala government is financially dependent on central allocations, even for disbursing salaries to its employees. Indicating that the state diverts central funds meant for development, he criticized this practice, stating that such allocations should be used solely for growth-oriented projects.Rejecting claims that the Centre neglects Kerala, the minister insisted that all central ministries, including his fisheries department, had provided the state with substantial financial aid. "We have already granted ₹212 crore to Kerala under the fisheries department alone," he said.
Attack on Kerala’s Governance
Kurian accused the LDF government of completely "destroying" Kerala’s economy, education, and industry sectors over the past decade. He directly targeted the Students Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of CPI(M), for the decline in the state's education sector and blamed the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) for the collapse of industries.He also took a swipe at the Congress-led UDF, alleging that they were complicit in the state’s governance failures. According to Kurian, the Congress was supporting the Marxists out of fear of meeting the same fate as in West Bengal and Tripura, where they were wiped out.
Clarification on ‘Backward’ Remark
Addressing the backlash over his previous comments suggesting Kerala should declare itself "backward" to receive additional central funds, Kurian defended his statement. He clarified that he had not insulted the state but merely pointed out that financial grievances should be addressed to the Finance Commission, not the central government."If Kerala wants more funds, it should provide a valid reason. If that reason is backwardness, it must be clearly stated. Many people mistakenly believe that the Centre directly decides fund allocations, but in reality, it is the Finance Commission," Kurian explained, adding that states have the right to submit dissent notes if they disagree with the Commission’s decisions.
Political Fallout
Kurian’s remarks have triggered strong reactions from both the ruling LDF and the Opposition UDF, who accused him of demeaning Kerala. Leaders from both fronts dismissed his claims, insisting that the state would never come before the Centre "with a begging bowl."The controversy surrounding the minister's remarks continues to fuel political tensions, with both sides locked in a war of words over the state's financial health and the role of the central government in its development.
