Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has landed in a major controversy after sanctioning ₹1.50 crore for the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s ‘Extreme Poverty-Free State Declaration’ event by allegedly diverting funds earmarked for the housing of the most destitute.
The lavish event, scheduled for 3 PM today at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, is set to feature film icons Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Kamal Haasan as chief guests.
The expenditure of ₹1.50 crore for the grand declaration ceremony was drawn from the fund specifically allocated for the construction of homes for the extremely poor, according to the official order.
The controversial order, which was issued on October 26 by Local Self-Government Special Secretary T.V. Anupama IAS, has ignited a political storm. Critics argue that diverting poor families’ housing funds to finance a celebratory event, even one proclaiming the end of extreme poverty, is a contradictory and deeply unacceptable move.
The move has drawn widespread condemnation, turning an intended celebratory milestone into a major controversy regarding the state’s fiscal priorities and commitment to its poorest citizens.
