Kerala's Ambitious Budget: Growth Amidst Political Tensions

The Kerala government announced its significant fiscal growth with nearly Rs 2 lakh crore expenditure for 2025-26, criticized UDF for skipping budget discussions, and revealed plans for welfare and salary increases despite alleged central fund cuts.

The Kerala government's budget discussion concluded with Finance Minister K N Balagopal announcing an expenditure near Rs 2 lakh crore for 2025-26, achieving last year's financial projections.

Balagopal criticized the Congress-led UDF for avoiding budget talks and clarified the state's commitment to fulfilling promises amidst central fund cuts, noting substantial growth across various sectors.

With elections approaching, the government emphasized welfare, salary hikes, and social security, while navigating controversies like the Sabarimala gold loss, which is under investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)