Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 16 (NationPress) Congress Working Committee (CWC) member and legislator Ramesh Chennithala has made alarming accusations against the Pinarayi Vijayan government, alleging the misallocation of funds sourced from high-interest masala bonds for electoral advertising through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

Chennithala stated that money obtained at a 9.5 percent interest rate for infrastructure advancement was “unlawfully” redirected towards governmental advertising initiatives to facilitate a third term for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

He has called for the prompt termination of what he describes as a politically biased publicity campaign funded by KIIFB resources.

Referencing Section 3(4) of the KIIFB Act, 2000, Chennithala emphasized that the legislation only allows the use of funds for infrastructure investments, financial support for infrastructure projects, repayment of bonds, and other designated scheme-related activities.

“Expenses on advertisements and election campaigns do not conform to any of these categories,” he asserted.

He noted that around Rs 102 crore was spent from KIIFB funds on advertisements and governmental promotions between 2018 and 2021, with approximately Rs 75 crore utilized during the 2020-21 election year alone.

Additionally, he claimed that nearly Rs 30 crore was expended on promoting sponsored content across major television channels and media outlets without proper identification as paid promotions, misleading the public.

He further alleged that Rs 50 crore was allocated for the ‘Keraleeyam’ mega event during this timeframe.

After the second Vijayan government took office, around Rs 49 crore was spent on publicity within the first three financial years, plus an extra Rs 5 crore in the initial six months of 2024.

While official data for later periods remain inaccessible, Chennithala estimated that more than Rs 150 crore could have been earmarked for governmental promotion.

Highlighting new concerns, he pointed out significant payments made to private individuals from KIIFB funds in 2023–24 and demanded clarity from the government and senior KIIFB officials.

He warned of legal repercussions, stating that a future United Democratic Front government would initiate a thorough investigation, hold accountable those responsible, and recover allegedly misappropriated funds.

Chennithala cautioned that if the diversion of borrowed development funds for election campaigning persists, involved parties would face prosecution.