The Assembly on Wednesday registered its protest against the raw deal that Kerala got in the Railway Budget presented in Parliament by Union Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda the other day.
The Assembly unanimously passed a tersely worded resolution moved by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, registering its displeasure at the end of a 90-minute debate during which members cutting across the political divide criticised the NDA government for totally neglecting Kerala’s interest. The debate was made possible because of a notice for adjournment motion given by Communist Party of India (Marxist) legislator and former Minister S. Sarma. The debate could not conceal divergent perceptions of the two rival coalitions. Opposition Members put the blame on the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and the United Democratic Front (UDF) government for their respective failures to go beyond mere announcements and push for development during the 10 years of UPA government.
Ruling bench members contended that the UPA had been sympathetic to the State in terms of sanctioning projects, new trains and expansion of railway network. Power Minister Aryadan Mohammed, who is in charge of railways, said the Opposition contention would only strengthen the BJP.
No perspectiveReplying to the debate, the Chief Minister said the Budget did not have a national perspective. “Mr. Modi had become Prime Minister stating that his approach would be futuristic and growth-oriented. If this is so, does this mean neglecting the interests of certain States is the way forward,” he asked. Leader of the Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan said the UDF did not have the moral right to protest as the BJP Government was using the UPA’s sword against the State.
