Budget allocations for Kochi draw reactions along political lines

The State Budget drew responses along political lines regarding allocations for Kochi and the larger Ernakulam district, with the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) voicing criticism, while the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) praised it for favourably considering the city’s development requirements.

Mayor V.K. Minimol observed that although the allocation of ₹79 crore for the second phase of the Kochi metro’s expansion was welcome, the absence of projects that could energise Kochi’s overall development prospects was disappointing. While the Finance Minister acknowledged Ernakulam as the State’s largest revenue grosser, he failed to allocate proportionate funds or projects.

Although funds were earmarked for the canal renovation project, several canals, including those in West Kochi, remain excluded. “Long-standing dreams of city residents, such as the Atlantis overbridge, Vathuruthy overbridge, Naalpathadi Road, and Goshree-Mamangalam Road, have not received any allocation. Considering climate change and developmental challenges, it was expected that a special economic package would be announced for Kochi. No funds have been set aside for the city’s immediate development needs or major projects aimed at Kochi’s future growth,” Ms. Minimol said.

Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden remarked that Kochi’s tourism potential had been consistently neglected in every Budget over the past decade. “A ₹100 crore proposal submitted by the Ernakulam MLA for the development of the Ernakulam General Hospital was overlooked. The much-demanded parallel Goshree bridge was denied funding. The fisheries and coastal sectors were completely ignored, and the Budget remained silent on the coastal highway,” he said, describing the Budget as a fanciful exercise with little relevance by a government in its final phase.

CPI district secretary N. Arun said that the Finance Minister has presented a comprehensive budget with emphasis on social development, infrastructure, and industrial growth. The allocation of ₹59 crore for the weaving industry in Paravur, he said, is an example of how the budget has sought to include ordinary sections of society. Funds earmarked for coastal projects are expected to benefit the coastal regions of the district as well.

BJP city district president K.S. Shaiju labelled the Budget a deceptive act by the Finance Minister, accusing him of making promises that the government cannot fulfill. The Budget completely ignored Ernakulam district and Kochi city. It is objectionable that no significant allocation has been made in the Budget either for the development of the commercial capital or for the welfare of its people, he said.

Twenty20 party president Sabu M. Jacob said the Budget announcements amounted to the CPI(M)’s admission of defeat in the forthcoming Assembly election. He claimed that all projects that the State government had taken credit for over the past decade were actually Central government schemes. To conceal this reality, the Finance Minister blamed the Centre for debt restrictions during the Budget presentation even though the Centre imposed them only after the State had exceeded all borrowing limits.