The Centre’s decision to slash its financial contribution to various Central schemes for the state has come in for scathing criticism from both the ruling front and the opposition in Kerala.
Both the Congress-led UDF and the Opposition LDF allege that the Bharatiya Janata Party is resorting to populist measures to gain a foothold in non-BJP ruled states by first destabilizing the economic status quo and then following it up with special packages.
"As elections approach, the Centre announces political packages putting the State in the dock before the people and as if doing a favour to the States. This is part of the Sangh parivar conspiracy,” Congress MLA VD Satheesan said.
When the Central package for prominent social welfare schemes in the state is diminished in terms of financial aid, it triggers a shortage of food in anganwadis, non-plying of JNNURM buses, a drop in quality of mid-day meals served in government schools and the like, thereby portraying the respective non-BJP state governments in bad light.
The Sangh Parivar -Congress and Left leaders allege- then step in with BJP’s Central aid in the form of special packages to cash in on the existing scenario so as to reap dividends for the upcoming 2016 Assembly elections in the state.
Political prejudice is the only impetus in this case according to UDF and LDF sources.
“This creates a situation of political prejudice,” CPM leader Thomas Isaac said.
Whether this will enable the two fronts to join forces in taking on a resurgent BJP in Kerala remains to be seen.