CM reads parts of govt’s policy speech omitted by guv | Thiruvananthapuram News

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan made an unusual move in the legislative assembly on Tuesday as he read the parts of the policy declaration speech that governor Rajendra Arlekar left unread. The governor omitted sections critical of the central govt, prompting the CM to express his strong opposition.The speaker also responded to the governor’s actions, stating that the omitted sections should be acknowledged and the entire govt-approved speech should be considered as read. The governor skipped the part criticising the central govt’s financial pressure on Kerala. Opposition leader V D Satheesan also supported the govt, saying that, “according to the Constitution, the governor must read the speech approved by the cabinet. If the governor deliberately omits or adds to it, it is wrong.”The governor omitted sections 12, 15 and 16 of the cabinet-approved policy speech. The CM emphasised that the cabinet-approved speech, in line with constitutional spirit and parliamentary conventions, should stand. The governor’s address is essentially the govt’s policy declaration, so the cabinet-approved sections should remain unchanged.The governor omitted the line, “Kerala continues to face severe fiscal stress arising from a series of adverse Union govt actions that undermine the constitutional principles of fiscal federalism.”The governor was also not ready to read, “Kerala has also raised concerns regarding excessive centralisation of powers and increasing Union intervention in subjects within the state domain. Bills passed by state legislatures remained pending for prolonged periods. My govt approached the Supreme Court on these issues, which were referred to a Constitution bench.”Meanwhile, the governor added “my govt” to the line, “tax devolution and finance commission grants are constitutional entitlements of states and not acts of charity, and any pressure on constitutional bodies entrusted with this task undermines federal principles.” The CM wanted the speaker to remove this since it was not there in the original text approved by the cabinet.Earlier, the governor’s policy address praised Kerala’s development, stating that the past decade saw significant achievements and that the state is a national model in decentralisation. The governor also mentioned the reduction in child mortality rates, successes in employment guarantee schemes, and poverty eradication efforts. However, the governor criticised central decisions, including the reduction of Kerala’s rightful share, GST share cuts, and loan share reductions, stating that the central govt is encroaching upon state powers. Additionally, the governor pointed out that Kerala increased revenue, limited expenses and improved its financial status. The state’s economy is on a growth path, with the Vizhinjam port aiding growth and creating new job opportunities. Furthermore, there will be job opportunities for educated youth. Law and order improved over the past decade, uninterrupted electricity was ensured, and improving living standards is the goal of New Kerala. Compensation for crop losses due to wildlife issues will be ensured, and the agricultural sector will be prepared to tackle climate change, the governor noted.