Thiruvananthapuram, June 13: Speculation is rife in Kerala’s political circles regarding Chief Minister and Finance Minister V.D. Satheeshan’s recent public absence. All eyes are now on his upcoming first state budget, set to be presented on June 19.
This budget is expected to define the direction of the new government and test Satheeshan’s transformation from a vocal critic of the Pinarayi Vijayan government to a policymaker.
In the lead-up to the budget, Satheeshan has been frequently shuttling between his official residence, Cantonment House, and the scenic Kovalam Guest House, where he is engaged in closed-door discussions with a select team of advisors.
Central to these discussions is Kerala’s strained economic situation. Senior bureaucrat Ratan U. Khelkar is assisting him in this endeavor. The budget is likely to focus on identifying new revenue sources to alleviate the financial burden on the struggling population.
There is hope that the search for new revenue streams will ease the pressure on citizens grappling with rising costs.
Despite being a legislator for nearly 25 years, Satheeshan’s administrative experience has largely come from the opposition benches. However, these years may now prove to be his greatest asset.
From 2006 to 2011 and again from 2016 to 2026, Satheeshan was one of the most vocal critics of the financial management of leftist governments. He repeatedly challenged former Finance Ministers Thomas Isaac and K.N. Balagopal, scrutinizing their budgets and questioning debt, expenditure, and revenue. Now, those same questions are resurfacing for him.
The white paper released on May 29 has limited his options. Satheeshan’s challenge is not just to present the budget but also to convince the public that it will provide relief.
Will the previously imposed fuel cess be withdrawn, leading to lower petrol and diesel prices? Will government employees finally receive the long-awaited dearness allowance (DA)? Following the announcement of free travel for women on state-operated buses starting June 15, will the government unveil more initiatives for them?
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