Centre has to give Rs 13000 crore to Kerala, state is being threatened after approaching court: Minister Balagopal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister KN Balagopal on Tuesday said that the Centre has to give about Rs 13000 crore to Kerala. Balagopal also accused the Centre of threatening the state by filing the case in the Supreme Court.

"The Centre is blackmailing. Not only the LDF that protested against the Centre. Various states went on strike. The Supreme Court was approached to obtain constitutional rights. Even the court asked about settling the issue through discussion. After that, the Centre express readiness for talks," Balagopal said.

"Union-state disputes rarely go to court. The central position is that the petition should be withdrawn if the state wants to get the money. The Centre has to give Rs 13000 crore to Kerala. This is a very unconstitutional position. They say the due will not be paid if the case in not withdrawn", he added.

The minister also added that the Centre threatened when the state approached the court.