Kerala moved SC against the unconstitutional, illegal financial measures of Centre: CM Vijayan

”We have tried to overcome this by increasing tax and non-tax revenue and prioritising expenditure, but the economic impact is more than we can bear,” the CM said.

Vijayan said instead of seeking an explanation from the Centre for such measures, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan was asking for a report from the state government on a petition for imposing financial emergency in the southern state.

”The Governor shouuld seek an explanation from the Centre, which is consistently trying to derail development and welfare activities in the State by encroaching on financial autonomy through cuts to borrowing limits,” he said.

Vijayan said that Khan’s move seeking a report from the state will not be able to hide the central government measures which have allegedly affected the economy of Kerala.

At the same time, the CM said since the Governor has sought a report, the government will be responding to the same.

”We are examining how to respond to the Governor’s letter. But, what I said was that he (Khan) should examine the veracity of the petitions he receives, instead of simply forwarding it to us and seeking an explanation,” Vijayan added.

The CM said that presently, the state urgently needs Rs 26,226 crore to ease the crisis caused by the central measures.

”It will not be enough to overcome the crisis. It is estimated that the loss due to central measures will be between 2 and 3 lakh crore rupees in the next five years.

”This would be 20 per cent to 30 per cent of the state’s GDP over a five-year period. If this danger is not prevented, it will lead the state to a crisis from which it may not be able to recover even after decades due to the limited resources of Kerala,” Vijayan said.

He called upon the opposition and Kerala society to stand with the state government as it embarks on a decisive legal and historic battle to preserve Indian federalism.

Khan on Wednesday had termed as unfortunate that the Left government was not able to pay pensions to those who worked over 35 years for the state.

”But, those who worked for two years as ministers’ personal staff are continuing to get their pensions,” he said.

He also reiterated what he said on Tuesday that the Chief Secretary of the state had submitted an affidavit in the Kerala High Court stating that the government was not in a position to honour the financial guarantees given by it.

”It means the government is unable to fulfil its Constitutional duties. On the other hand, we are seeing festivities on a large scale. Extravaganza. Just for renovation of a swimming pool, Rs 10 lakh is being spent. So, I do not know how to react to this situation,” Khan had said.