The hostile stance of the Planning Commission which has ruled out funds for the metro project, has touched off a wave of anger in Kerala.

If Kerala wants to go ahead with the project in the public sector, the Planning Commission has said, it should generate funds on its own. Or else, the state can have the project through the public private partnership route.

The Kerala Government and the leaders of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) say this is against the assurances given by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh from time to time on implementation of the prestigious project.

It may be mentioned that no funds were allocated for the Kochi project even in the Union Budget. But Bangalore and Chennai metro rail projects were sanctioned funds, it is being pointed out.

This, the LDF leaders say, is an act of blatant partisanship against the state, which has set apart Rs 60 crore for the project, which will go a long way in relieving the traffic congestion experienced by Kochi and Ernakulam.

What has added insult to injury is the UPA Government’s decision in allowing the Hyderabad metro project in the public sector. If Hyderabad can have it in the public sector, why not Kerala, too? That is the question being asked by leaders of various political parties in Kerala except the Congress.

The unhelpful attitude of the Planning Commission, Kerala says, is in line with the Centre’s indifference to other projects for Kerala like the rail coach factory at Kanjikkode in Palakkad district, auto cast project in Cherthala and the longstanding demand for an Indian Institute of Technology for the State.

It is also at odds with the claim of the Congress leaders in the state that the UPA Government at the Centre has gone out of its way to sanction projects for Kerala although the State is under the rule of the Left Democratic Front (LDF). (IPA)