Kerala Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal has strongly criticized the BJP-led Union government, accusing it of bias and undermining federal principles after it allowed Maharashtra to accept foreign contributions for the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF).
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Balagopal said Kerala welcomed assistance for states facing natural disasters but emphasized that the rules must be applied uniformly. He recalled that in 2018, during Kerala’s worst floods in a century, the Centre had denied the state permission to receive foreign aid, even though several countries, including the UAE, had expressed willingness to help.
“Helping disaster-hit states is a positive move, and allowing Maharashtra to receive aid is welcome. However, the Centre’s decision reveals political partiality. When Kerala was devastated by floods, Malayalis worldwide and other nations offered support, but the Centre refused. Now, Maharashtra is granted permission. Is it because both the Centre and Maharashtra are ruled by the same party?” Balagopal asked.
He alleged that such actions damage the perception of equal treatment for all states under the Indian Union.
“Can we blame people in Kerala or elsewhere for feeling the Centre discriminates between states, especially during crises? This attitude weakens the principles of federalism,” he added.
Balagopal also pointed out that the Centre had not yet announced a relief package for Wayanad, which was severely affected by landslides last year. Despite the Prime Minister’s visits—once to the landslide site and more recently for the Vizhinjam port inauguration—no aid was declared.
“There must be fairness in such matters. People expect rule of law and justice. Unfortunately, political affiliation seems to determine the Centre’s decisions, not the severity of disaster or human suffering,” the minister stated.
Last week, Maharashtra’s CM Relief Fund received a license under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, enabling it to accept international donations after meeting all necessary criteria.
