Criticism Aimed at US President Trump and Central Government in Kerala Budget Speech
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Synopsis
In his budget speech, Kerala's Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal criticized US President Donald Trump and the Central Government, highlighting the need for unity and the protection of democratic values amidst rising global tensions. He also discussed the declining financial support from the Centre to Kerala.
Key Takeaways
- K.N. Balagopal criticizes Trump and the Central Government.
- Highlights the decline in Kerala's share of central taxes.
- Calls for safeguarding democratic and secular values.
- Emphasizes the budget as a reflection of social realities.
- Notes the diminishing financial support for local self-governments.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 7 (NationPress) The concluding comprehensive budget of the second Pinarayi Vijayan administration was unveiled in the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Friday by State Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal, who directed pointed criticisms at the newly elected US President Donald Trump and the Union Government.
While addressing Trump, Balagopal stated, “The global landscape is currently characterized by complexity and uncertainty. In numerous areas, democratic structures have deteriorated, leading to weakened governance. The discourse surrounding autocracy and dictatorship has breached all standards of political and social integrity.”
Balagopal further criticized Trump’s policies, saying, “A leader who asserts ownership over the Panama Canal, proposes the annexation of Greenland, and suggests displacing Gaza residents to transform it into a tourist hub is now at the helm of the world’s strongest nation. There is a troubling rise of fear, animosity, and warmongering. Many are concerned this could herald a regression to the grim eras of world conflicts and colonial domination. These international occurrences are bound to influence our nation as well.”
He stressed the importance of Kerala preserving its democratic and secular principles. “This is a crucial moment for solidarity in championing progressive values. A budget transcends mere economic documentation; it embodies the political, cultural, and social realities of the populace it represents. I am optimistic that this budget will lay the groundwork for the future advancement of Kerala,” he affirmed.
Shifting focus to the Central government, Balagopal cited enduring neglect from the Centre as a reason for the state's financial difficulties. He noted that Kerala's allotment from central taxes has seen a consistent decline over the years.
“This challenge has not surfaced suddenly. The decrease in states' central tax shares, including that of Kerala, initiated nearly 25 years ago. During the period of the Tenth Finance Commission, Kerala's allocation was 3.88 percent. This has progressively dwindled, hitting a historic low of 1.92 percent under the Fifteenth Finance Commission,” he explained.
He pointed out a significant drop in funding for local self-governments. “Despite Kerala's leadership in decentralization, support from the Centre has diminished. Under the Twelfth Finance Commission, local entities received 4.54 percent of the divisible pool. This has now decreased to 2.68 percent under the Fifteenth Finance Commission,” he emphasized.
Balagopal’s address highlighted the state’s increasing fiscal pressures and positioned the budget as both a policy measure and a political commentary against the Central government’s economic strategies.
