Thiruvananthapuram: The second Pinarayi Vijayan-led government is facing backlash over its grand plans for celebrating its fourth anniversary, with crores of rupees being allocated once again. Each department has been permitted to spend nearly ₹1 crore across Kerala’s 14 districts. Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan accused the government of wasting public money, claiming that ₹100 crore is being splurged while people suffer. “These celebrations are built on the tears of the people,” he said.
The government, however, defended the decision, stating that showcasing developmental achievements to the public is not an act of extravagance. Finance Department has approved ₹25.91 crore solely for publicity and advertisements.
In addition, the “Ente Keralam” exhibition, which will run for seven days in each district, allows each department to spend ₹7 lakh per district — totaling ₹98 lakh across all 14 districts. If all departments participate, the cost could soar to ₹30 crore just for exhibitions.
Satheesan criticized the government for such lavish spending while welfare pensions remain delayed. He demanded that the money used for celebrations instead be redirected to ASHA workers and those in genuine need.
While the government insists the celebrations are cost-effective and not extravagant, the opposition claims it’s a political campaign aimed at the upcoming local body and assembly elections. This is also the reason cited by the UDF for boycotting the event.
