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Thiruvananthapuram: Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan on Thursday targeted the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government over its decision to grant honorarium for the state’s special representative KV Thomas.
According to Muraleedharan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has been burdening the people and extravagantly spending money to give a happy retirement life to his favourites.
He elaborated on why there is no need for a special representative in New Delhi. “We have many IAS officers and we need to use them. They can be used to intimate the union government about demands of the state government,” he said.
Muraleedharan alleged that the state government has been levying taxes on electricity, and water among others for “extravaganza”.
“The government has been pursuing ahead in a deceitful manner. Pinarayi Vijayan regime has been slaughtering the poor,” he added.
Kerala government on the other day had granted a monthly honorarium of Rs 1 lakh to KV Thomas, Kerala's special representative in New Delhi. The cabinet meeting also gave the nod for the appointment of four staffers--two assistants, an office attendant and a driver.
Typically, when retired government officials are reappointed, they will receive a salary after deducting their pension amount. However, in this case, the rule does not apply because KV Thomas is granted an honorarium instead of a salary and allowances. That means, he can receive the MP pension in addition to the honorarium. Muraleedharan’s remarks apparently comes in this context.
The minister also took the opportunity to criticise the government over various matters.
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