Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala BJP President, K. Surendran, on Friday challenged the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government and the Congress-led opposition to an open discussion on the Union budget. Both parties have criticised the Narendra Modi government's third Union budget for ignoring Kerala's needs and demands.

Surendran highlighted the substantial allocations made for Kerala, stating, "A record allocation of over Rs 3,000 crore has been set aside for Kerala this time. In comparison, the previous UPA governments allocated a mere Rs 400 crore. The allocation made to central institutes in Kerala is one of the highest ever. Yet, baseless allegations are being floated by both the ruling Left and the Congress, which blindly supports the state government without even examining what has been allocated."

He also addressed the railway development funds, saying, "A sum of Rs 3,011 crore has been earmarked for various railway projects in Kerala. We are ready for a discussion on the budget and invite those who claim nothing has been given to come forward."

In response, the ruling Left has called for a statewide protest, criticising the budget for not considering Kerala's Rs 24,000 crore package request and for not mentioning the state at all.

With IANS inputs