CPI(M) leader M.B. Rajesh accuses UDF govt. of crippling local body development
CPI(M) leader M.B. Rajesh has accused the UDF government of intentionally withholding funds from local bodies to cripple development projects. He specifically highlighted the impact on welfare schemes like palliative care and criticized the political handling of food-based social initiatives.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing political friction in Kerala regarding the distribution of state funds to local governance institutions.
CPI(M) State committee member and former Local Self-Government Minister M.B. Rajesh has accused the United Democratic Front (UDF) government of deliberately withholding funds meant for local self-government institutions, disrupting development activities across the State.
Mr. Rajesh said here on Tuesday (July 21, 2026) that the Finance department, headed by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, was responsible for releasing funds to local bodies but was intentionally delaying the allocation. He claimed that more than 1,200 local self-government institutions in the State had been affected by the fund shortage.
The CPI(M) leader said several welfare and development programmes, including anganwadi nutrition schemes and palliative care projects, were facing difficulties due to the financial crisis. The shortage of funds had also affected the daily functioning of local bodies, he said.
Mr. Rajesh also criticised the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), alleging that the party was unable to take an independent stance within the UDF.
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