Sat Feb 08 03:09:40 UTC 2025: ## Kochi MLA Criticizes Kerala Budget for Neglecting City’s Development
**KOCHI, February 8, 2025** – Ernakulam MLA T.J. Vinod has sharply criticized the Kerala state budget, alleging that Kochi has been systematically overlooked despite its significant contribution to the state’s revenue. He claims that despite submitting numerous budgetary proposals, Kochi received virtually no funding for new projects in recent years. Vinod specifically cited the dilapidated condition of the Ernakulam KSRTC bus stand, which received no allocated funds, and the lack of progress on a ₹2,000-crore housing project announced in the 2024 budget. He accused the government of repeatedly re-announcing old projects while neglecting Kochi’s needs, effectively misleading the public.
However, Kochi Mayor M. Anilkumar countered these claims, highlighting the budget’s allocation of ₹15 crore for a road cluster project requested by the Kochi Corporation, ₹5 crore for tourism development in Fort Kochi, and over ₹400 crore for the Kochi and Water Metro projects. He argued that these allocations demonstrate significant investment in the city’s infrastructure and development. The differing accounts highlight a dispute over the extent to which Kochi benefited from the recently released state budget.
First Piper 