Thiruvananthapuram: The state council meeting of the Communist Party of India (CPI) criticised Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday. CPI views that the state budget presented by Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal lacked proper allocation for the Food Department, a portfolio held by the party. 

Earlier, Food Minister G.R. Anil’s wife, Latha Devi, had mocked the state government by saying that her husband is tired of writing letters to CM Pinarayi Vijayan seeking funds for his department. The state council accused the CPM-led government of lavish spending and financial indiscipline.

CPI leader V.P. Unnikrishnan alleged that the government is spending crores for maintenance of the cattle shed at the cliff house when the state is going through an acute financial crisis. The proposal in the budget for allowing foreign universities to set up their campuses in Kerala was also heavily criticised in the meeting.  CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam stated that the decision on foreign universities represents a significant shift in the left front's policies. He promised to bring the CPI's discontent with the subject to the attention of the LDF government.