Budget disappointing; there is nothing in it to strengthen economy, says KN Balagopal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister KN Balagopal said that the union budget is disappointing for Kerala. There is nothing in the budget to help the states go forward. Balagopal said that much more funds should have been allowed to the states. KN Balagopal also said that the Union Minister's answer related to SilverLine might be political.

"Everyone was waiting for the union budget with great hope, but the hope was not fulfilled at all. The Union Finance Minister only did a copy-paste of previous budgets. There is nothing in the budget to propel the economy forward. There are no measures to control inflation. There is nothing in the budget to strengthen the economy. This is not Amrit Kaal. The country is not going well," Balagopal said.

"The Centre is intervening politically in the states. They are saying that they will present the next budget as well. Financial assistance should be provided to projects, including the Vizhinjam project. The state will make those projects successful," he added.