All is well, says FM as govt gears up for key elections

Analysis

- Anil S @T'Puram

AS opposed to belligerent posturing against the BJP-led Union government and the Opposition UDF last time, K N Balagopal opted to go forth on a positive note this time around. Stepping into the arduous task of keeping Kerala's fiscal stock afloat ahead of back-to-back elections, it was the pragmatic politician rather than the finance minister that ruled the day.

In a marked departure from the last nine LDF budgets, Balagopal chose to paint an 'all is well' scenario. In the penultimate budget of the second Pinarayi cabinet, he boldly declared that trying times are on the way out. Stating that Kerala's fiscal position has improved, he exuded confidence that the economy is poised for a take-off.