- CM writes letter to Finance Minister on Vizhinjam port
4 p.m. News Network
Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan attacked the Center for lack of financial assistance for rehabilitation of Wayanad landslide victims. The state government also accused the BJP and the Congress-led UDF of holding back Kerala’s development. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan delivered the speech ahead of the 68th Foundation Day of the state, Keralaappiravi. Vijayan accused the Center of ignoring Kerala. He said that even 90 days after the landslide in Wayanad, the Central government did not approve a single penny for rehabilitation work there. Vijayan claimed that in other states, after natural disasters, the central government sends help even before they can speak, but Kerala does not receive help despite asking for it. He said Kerala is being deliberately ignored for political purposes.
Pinarayi Vijayan wrote a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman regarding the Vizhinjam port. Through this letter, he urged that the Centre’s share of Rs 817.80 crore be released for Vizhinjam port. Furthermore, he said that the State should not be put in a position to reimburse this amount later. Vijayan said in the letter that the state is investing resources of Rs 5,595 crore out of the total project outlay of Rs 8,867 crore. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said: I am sure the minister will appreciate that a small state like Kerala has made a huge sacrifice in investment. He further said that the refund of Rs 817.80 crore will be made on the basis of NPV (net present value).
