Kerala: BJP Leaders Attempt to Claim Credit for LDF Government’s Dream Projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated developmental projects worth Rs 3,200 crore in Kerala, which made headlines in both the English and Malayalam media during the last two days. Three projects stole the limelight on April 24 and 25, namely the dedication of Kochi Water Metro, the laying of the foundation for the digital science park, and the flagging of the first Vande Bharat Express in Kerala. 

A number of union ministers and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders across the country hailed the development activities in Kerala but probably intentionally left out to mention that the two projects were conceived and funded by the government of Kerala. Several media houses also followed a similar pattern, leaving out the state government's share in the projects.  

The Kochi Water Metro, India’s first water metro, was launched at Rs 1,136.83 crore with funds from the government of Kerala and German firm KfW. 

The PM also laid the foundation stone for the first phase of India’s first digital science park in Kochi at Rs 1,515 core. The project is funded by the government of Kerala and industry partners involved in the project. 

In effect, the union government led by the BJP has zero contribution to these projects. The union government’s share is restricted to railway projects, including the launch of the Vande Bharat Express.

‘DREAM PROJECTS OF LDF GOVERNMENT’ 

The Kochi Water Metro is an ambitious project of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, which is being owned by the Kochi Metro Rail Corporation (KMRL) with funds from the state government and financial aid from German-based KfW for Rs 819 crore and the remaining from the GoK. 

The integrated metro would connect 10 islands in Kochi to ensure hassle-free transport via 15 identified routes, covering 78 km through 78 solar-powered hybrid boats to 38 jetties. In the first phase, the metro will connect High Court and Vypeen, two essential destinations in Kochi.  

After much publicity from BJP leaders and union ministers, including the Prime Minister, who claimed that the development of Kerala would develop India, the finance minister of Kerala explained the contribution of the GoK and the financial constraints faced due to the policies of the union government. 

“The two projects worth around Rs 3,000 crore are carried out by the state government. The union government has spent only Rs 94 crore for the rakes of Vande Bharat train,” K N Balagopal said in a video message.

Several leaders of the BJP from the state and outside indulged in an advertising blitzkrieg during two-day visit of Modi to Kerala. However, the fact remains that the union government's contribution to the newly launched projects is negligible. 

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan tweeted to explain about the alternate model pursued by the LDF government to ensure growth in the state. 

‘THIRD GENERATION SCIENCE PARK’

The PM also laid the foundation stone for constructing the country's Digital Science Park in Kochi, the project cost of the first phase being Rs 1,515 crore. The state government has sanctioned Rs 200 crore, and the industrial partners contribute the remaining fund. The contribution from the Union Government to this project is also nothing. 

The Digital University in Kerala has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with four universities from the United Kingdom (UK) to collaborate with the Science Park and other modern technologies. The Science Park will facilitate research in modern technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security, and Graphene. 

Pinarayi Vijayan categorically informed during the ceremony in the presence of the prime minister that the project was the brainchild of the state government with no contribution from the union government.

Balagopal went a step further and claimed that the LDF government is proceeding with developmental activities in the state despite the lack of financial support from the union government. 

“The LDF government is carrying out development activities of global standards despite the reduction in funds and grants for the state from the union government. Every political party and individual should raise their voice to get the deserving funds from the union government for our development,” he said. 

The LDF government highlighted its contributions to the Water Metro and Digital Science Park projects. Still, BJP leadership continues to claim victory on Narendra Modi’s visit to the state as a shot in the arm for its political growth.