Declare Kerala Backward...! Minister's Remarks Spark Debate Over Funds From Centre

Union Minister George Kurian is facing backlash on social media for his recent controversial remarks. Kurian said Kerala should declare itself as backward if wants more funds from Central government.

His comments sparked a debate between ruling Left party accusing the Centre of having an "anti-Kerala" stance.

The remarks came after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2025 speech, which Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticised for neglecting the state's needs.

Kerala's Concerns Over Budget Allocations

Chief Minister Vijayan expressed disappointment over the budget, highlighting that it ignored requests for a Rs 24,000 crore package and assistance for Wayanad's landslide recovery. He also mentioned that the Vizhinjam Port project was overlooked despite its national significance.

According to Vijayan, Kerala is being penalised for its advancements in education and other sectors, yet there are areas where the state still lags behind.

Kurian, who hails from Kottayam district and serves as a Minister of State in the Modi government, stated that financial packages are allocated to states lagging in development indices. He challenged Kerala to declare itself backward if it lacks roads and quality education. "The Finance Commission will examine such claims and report to the central government," he said.