Nirmala Sitharaman rubbishes Kerala govts allegations of Centre denying grants, dares them to approach court

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has rubbished the Kerala governments allegations that the Centre is denying grants to the southern state, and dared them to approach court.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said that the Kerala government's move to pursue legal measures regarding its allegation that the Centre is denying grants to the southern state will help the Union government present the real story.

Sitharaman Rejects Allegations of Fund Withholding

Sitharaman's statement came in response to the Left government's move to explore legal remedies against alleged discrimination in fund allocations. The Union minister outrightly rejected the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government's long-standing allegation that the BJP-led Centre is withholding grants and funds, and said these charges are being made for political mileage and to mislead the public.

Not a Single Rupee Withheld, Says Sitharaman

Addressing a business conclave -- Emerging Bharat, Growing Kerala -- organised by leading Malayalam daily Kerala Kaumudi, Sitharaman emphasised that not a single rupee deserved by the southern state is being held back by the Centre. "You can challenge me in any court, I do not mind. Please go ahead. It gives me one more opportunity to put the facts before the court and say that this is what the story really is," she said.

Kerala FM Had Alleged Discrimination

Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal had alleged in Kollam last week that the Centre is being hugely discriminatory towards the opposition-ruled states, including Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, in financial matters. "Of them, the maximum discrimination is being faced by Kerala. We are exploring legal remedies against this action of the Centre," Balagopal had said.

Conclusion

The Finance Minister's statement has sparked a fresh war of words between the Centre and the Kerala government. It remains to be seen how the legal battle will play out and whether it will have any impact on the Centre-state relations.