‘Will leave only after speaking; if you block me, no one else will speak’: Kerala CM in Assembly

Thiruvananthapuram: Turning towards the Opposition that created disruptions during discussions regarding KIIFB in the Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister V D Satheesan stated that if he was not permitted to speak, no one else would be allowed to speak either.

He declared that even if interruptions were created through commotion, he would leave only after finishing his speech. The Chief Minister also explained in the House that KIIFB projects have imposed a severe financial burden on the state. Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan subsequently intervened to try and calm the situation.

The Chief Minister further noted that tender processes and approvals for projects announced and foundation-stone laid just prior to the elections during the previous government's tenure were completed only after the new government assumed office. Citing the example of the ₹272 crore Organ Transplantation Hospital project in Kozhikode, he detailed that for a project whose foundation stone was laid in February, the tender processes were conducted in April, sanction was granted in August, and the work order was issued in September.

The Chief Minister accused KIIFB of ruining the state's financial standing and fiscal structure, thereby creating a massive financial liability. He highlighted that due to the liabilities created by KIIFB, the plan fund had to be frozen at ₹30,000 crore for three consecutive years without any increase.

KIIFB turned into an institution stuffed with favourites and retired individuals drawing salaries higher than that of the Chief Secretary. Even after seven years, Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for several works have not been submitted. By awarding works worth ₹5,900 crore without tenders, a major leak occurred from the exchequer.

The Chief Minister announced that such actions, tantamount to plundering taxpayers' money, will be investigated thoroughly and those responsible will not be spared.