Thiruvananthapuram: Even while accusing the CPM government in Kerala of extravagance, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has reportedly sought drastic increase in various fund allocations to the Raj Bhavan.
According to reports, the Raj Bhavan demanded that annual allocations for purposes like treating guests, tours, furniture renovation, and office expenses should be enhanced by up to Rs 2.6 crore. The present total allocation is Rs 32 lakh.
Reacting to the reports, the governor told a section of the media that the additional allocations were sought as part of official duties and that Raj Bhavan was not begging.
The Raj Bhavan’s demand for additional allocation came out close on the heels of the governor crticising that money was being spent for renovation of the swimming pool at the official residence of the chief minister.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly criticised the governor for sitting on bills. He said at a public meeting that there was a limit for everything and if the governor continued his indecisions on bills, a protest march would be organised to the Raj Bhavan.
(Published 12 November 2023, 14:14 IST)