UDF govt presents white paper on state's financial condition; war of words between ruling front-opposition 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The UDF government presented a white paper in the assembly that clarifies the state's financial condition. However, immediately after the white paper was placed on the table of the house, the opposition stepped forward with strong disagreement and protest. With this, a war of words was witnessed between the ruling front and the opposition in the house. Chief Minister V D Satheesan clarified that the white paper was placed on the table with Speaker’s permission, but the opposition stood firm on its allegations.

Former finance minister K N Balagopal alleged that the release of government documents that should have been kept official and confidential to prepare the white paper was a serious irregularity. Handing over figures that were not even given to the CAG (AG) to outsiders is a breach of oath. The white paper was prepared by outside agencies without taking the officials of the finance department into confidence. This will completely upset the administrative system. Balagopal also demanded an immediate ruling by the Speaker on the issue.

Meantime, Chief Minister V D Satheesan replied that the allegations of the former finance minister were completely baseless. This is a document to make the people aware of the real financial condition of Kerala. It contains only the general information announced in the budget. It is true that the help of some economic experts was sought for verification, but the white paper was prepared by the finance department. The chief minister informed the house that no confidential documents of any kind have gone outside.

The assembly witnessed a direct war of words over the white paper between Chief Minister V D Satheesan and opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan. The opposition leader accused the finance department of not preparing this document and that it was only a political document of the UDF. Pinarayi Vijayan added that the chief minister's claim that the white papers of the previous governments were also political documents was strange. However, the chief minister's reply was that the opposition leader's statement was just a political statement.