Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 12 (NationPress) Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan responded to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday, challenging his assertion that the state has benefitted from enhanced central funding under PM Narendra Modi's administration. Vijayan emphasized that transfers from the Finance Commission are a constitutional right of states, not an act of benevolence from the Centre.

These comments were made during the inauguration of a protest by the Left Democratic Front, which included Cabinet ministers, against what he described as the Centre’s “indifferent stance” towards Kerala’s rightful and longstanding requests.

“The allocation of funds through Finance Commissions is not an act of generosity. It is a constitutional entitlement of states,” the Chief Minister remarked, accusing the Union government of manipulating the criteria and terms of reference of the Finance Commission to withhold Kerala’s due share.

Vijayan cited statistics, noting that Kerala received ₹16,833 crore and ₹19,038 crore in 2017-18 and 2018-19, respectively, under the 14th Finance Commission.

In contrast, the 15th Finance Commission allocated ₹11,560 crore in 2020-21, increasing to ₹17,890 crore in 2021-22 and ₹18,961 crore in 2022-23.

“This indicates a decline in Kerala’s tax share compared to the previous Commission period, a reduction that is unprecedented,” he stated.

The Chief Minister highlighted that a significant portion of the aid during the 15th Finance Commission period consisted of revenue deficit grants.

“These grants are also Kerala’s entitlement, secured only after states collectively opposed the Centre’s biased approach. They were not gifts,” he asserted, warning that without these grants, the decline in devolution would have been even more pronounced.

Vijayan further accused Prime Minister Modi of pressuring the Finance Commission to lower the tax share for states.

He referenced a public statement from NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, who mentioned that the Prime Minister aimed to reduce the states’ share from 42% to 33%.

“This is not merely a claim from the Left; it was articulated by a senior official in the Prime Minister’s Office, and has not been refuted,” Vijayan insisted, seeking clarification from Amit Shah when discussing financial figures.

Accusing the Centre of attempting to “financially suffocate Kerala,” the Chief Minister vowed that such “delusions” would not take root in Kerala.

He also suggested that the Congress and the UDF were complicit in facilitating these actions.

“Despite ongoing challenges, Kerala has remained resilient. We have celebrated significant achievements across various sectors,” Vijayan urged the citizens to unite against efforts he perceives as attempts to undermine the state’s financial and federal rights.