THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : The Union Budget, with its complete neglect of Kerala, is a declaration of war against the State, said LDF Convener A Vijayaraghavan in a press release. Agriculture and service sectors have been absolutely left out. There is nothing in the Budget meant for Kerala. It does not have schemes to resolve unemployment or protect public sector units either.
Cutting down Kerala’s share of tax proceeds is an act of political vengeance. The Union Finance Minister is unwilling to consider State's social welfare schemes. Contempt for the poor and favouritism for the wealthy are hallmarks of this Budget. It does not utter a word on employment guarantee, much as it turns a blind eye to Sabari and semi high-speed rail lines.
In the budget, the Centre repeats the neglect it showed in its flood relief to Kerala. Suggestions by the State for the agriculture, service and tourism sectors have been totally ignored. No govt has dealt such gross injustice to Kerala ever. The Left workers should mobilise huge protests against this raw deal, Vijay Raghavan said in a press release.
