THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The second Pinarayi government goes into its second year leaning on achievements that touched the grassroots, despite the flurry of allegations that dimmed the luster of the continued administration. Meanwhile, the opposition is challenging the government by mounting allegations of corruption over artificial intelligence cameras to catch traffic violations. The opposition is preparing to protest on issues in the budget like tax hikes and fuel cess. The government is trying to celebrate the second anniversary with 100-day action plans and celebrations without responding to the allegations. The official inauguration will be done by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram on the 20th of this month, the date of assuming office.
Kerala found itself in a flood of controversies after the government came to power for the second time. The main complaint was against the police. The effective intervention of the same police, including investigations into two dowry harassment cases, won applause also. An action plan to curb the use of chemical intoxicants was announced, but the serious failure to implement it was criticized. Drug abuse is spreading in a way that pollutes the social environment. Things even lead to the murder of a young female doctor.
Bureaucracy was blamed for the Tanur boat accident. There is criticism that the lack of experience of the ministers affects the efficiency of the departments. There was loud protests against the Silverline project and the way it was handled by the police. The amendment to the Lokayukta's powers and most recently, the AI camera deal, have become weapons for the opposition to mount charges against the government. Allegations and counter-allegations between the woman in the gold smuggling scandal and former principal secretary of the Chief Minister M Sivashankar, book writing controversies, roadblock protest against the Chief Minister, Youth Congress protest inside the plane and fireworks thrown at the CPM headquarters AKG Center fueled the controversies.
The government's activities aimed at eradicating extreme poverty, construction of houses for the poor through the Life Housing Scheme, Punargeham Project for the rehabilitation of fishermen, implementation of a welfare fund for MGNREGA workers for the first time in the country, distribution of title deeds, distribution of welfare pensions and introduction of pension to dairy farmers were evaluated as achievements of the government. The implementation of the first water metro in the country was hailed by the Prime Minister as an example of Kerala, the development of coastal and hilly highways, the progress in the development of national highways, the K-store that brings services under one roof, and the improvement of the investment-friendly environment are highlighted as signs of development excellence.
CAG commending the finance department for its diligence in maintaining fiscal discipline despite the financial crisis being a challenge became a relief to Finance Minister Balagopal and the government, who have been blamed for the tax burden.
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