Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan responded to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement about increased central funds to Kerala under PM Modi’s government. Vijayan emphasized that Finance Commission transfers are a state’s constitutional right, not a favor from the Centre. He criticized the Union government for altering Finance Commission terms to withhold Kerala’s rightful share, stating that Kerala received less under the 15th Finance Commission compared to the previous one.
Vijayan highlighted that Kerala received Rs 16,833 crore and Rs 19,038 crore in 2017–18 and 2018–19 under the 14th Finance Commission but only Rs 11,560 crore in 2020–21 under the 15th Finance Commission. He noted that the decline in Kerala’s tax share during this period was unprecedented, with a significant portion of assistance coming as revenue deficit grants, which he asserted were Kerala’s due and not charity.
The Chief Minister accused PM Modi of pressuring the Finance Commission to reduce states’ tax share, referring to a statement by NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam. Vijayan demanded clarification from Amit Shah, alleging that the Centre’s actions were aimed at financially suffocating Kerala. He also criticized the Congress and UDF for their roles in these developments, urging unity among the people to protect the state’s economic and federal rights.
