THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Finance Minister KN Balagopal said that a campaign is underway to create the impression that the state is suffering through a serious financial crisis as a result of its debt. He also said that Kerala only has the same level of debt as other states.

"Some people are trying to create an impression that the state has huge debts and is going through a financial crisis. In 1970, Kerala's per capita income was half the Indian average. Today Kerala's per capita income is double the Indian average." the minister said.

The minister's response came after some reports claimed that the state is approaching a major financial crisis due to excessive borrowing.