RTI Reveals KIIFB’s Crore-Scale Development in Opposition Leaders' Constituencies, Exposing Contradictions

Thiruvananthapuram: An RTI document has revealed that large-scale development projects worth crores are being implemented through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) in the constituencies of opposition leaders who have consistently criticized the body. According to the document, development projects worth 47 crore rupees are being carried out in Paravur, the constituency of Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan, while 433 crore rupees worth of development is taking place in Haripad, the constituency of senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala.

As KIIFB continues to drive transformative development in Kerala, opposition leaders in the state have been at the forefront of supporting the Modi government's efforts to undermine the initiative. Prominent Congress leaders, including Ramesh Chennithala and V.D. Satheesan, have consistently criticized KIIFB, seizing every opportunity to discredit its efforts. However, the RTI document now reveals that KIIFB’s transformative projects are being carried out in the very constituencies represented by these leaders, exposing a clear contradiction in their stance, said RTI activist Raju Vazhakkal.

In Paravur, KIIFB is facilitating development projects worth 47.47 crore rupees, which include renovations to government schools in Chendamangalam and Varappuzha, the construction of a new ward building at Paravur Taluk Hospital, and the Mattupuram-Chendamangalam bridge.

Meanwhile, in Haripad, Ramesh Chennithala's constituency, KIIFB funds totaling 433.90 crore rupees are being allocated to 17 projects. These include school and hospital developments, public works, and fisheries department initiatives.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan recently questioned the opposition’s position on KIIFB, asking whether they would continue to reject the ongoing development projects in the state. He also raised concerns about their stance on the modernization of schools, hospitals, and other public facilities through KIIFB. With the release of details on the development projects in the opposition leaders' constituencies, questions about their contradictory position are becoming more pressing.