UDF Government Accused of Lavish Spending Despite Promises of Austerity

Thiruvananthapuram: The UDF government, which had promised to shun extravagance and uphold simplicity, is now being accused of indulging in a spending spree. The government had assumed office promising to cut administrative expenses and adopt austerity measures, citing the state's financial crisis. However, six months into its tenure, Keralam is witnessing what critics describe as a carnival of extravagance. Crores of rupees are being spent on luxury cars, renovating official residences and ministerial bungalows, and appointing personal staff for ministers.

Citing the age of the existing vehicles used by ministers, the government is preparing to purchase 24 new cars. An amount of Rs 10 crore has been sanctioned for the purchase. The vehicles are reportedly high-end versions of the latest Innova models. The government has justified the purchase by saying that the ministers' existing cars are old. Of the 24 vehicles, 22 are intended for ministers and the Chief Secretary, while two are reportedly meant for visiting dignitaries.

When he was the Leader of the Opposition, VD Satheesan had declared that large sums would not be spent on renovating official residences if the UDF came to power. However, soon after assuming office, the government spent more than Rs 5 crore on renovating ministerial residences. An amount of Rs 1.24 crore was sanctioned for renovating Cliff House and Rs 3.95 crore for nine other official residences.

In May 2026, the Public Works Department granted administrative sanction for Rs 3.95 crore towards maintenance work at nine ministerial residences. The allocations were Rs 40.67 lakh for Nest Bungalow, Rs 40.03 lakh for Ushas Bungalow, Rs 31.26 lakh for Periyar Bungalow, Rs 40.81 lakh for Pournami Bungalow, Rs 31.43 lakh for Pampa Bungalow, Rs 40.06 lakh for Kowdiar House, Rs 81.06 lakh for Manmohan Bungalow, Rs 31.53 lakh for Ganga Bungalow and Rs 58.74 lakh for Ajanta Bungalow.

The government's position is that these works are not renovations for luxury but routine annual maintenance carried out ahead of the new ministers moving into the residences.

The appointment of personal staff for ministers has added to the criticism. The government has reportedly set a record in the number of such appointments, with around 500 people appointed to ministerial staff. Chief Minister V D Satheesan leads with 31 staff members. Even the Chief Whip, who has no significant official responsibilities, has 16 staff members. An order has also been issued allowing MLAs to appoint additional staff.

The government had also purchased 480 iPads worth Rs 7 crore for ministers and their personal staff. The decision to invite tenders for the purchase through Keltron, a public sector undertaking, had triggered controversy.

The expenses incurred on ministers' foreign visits remain undisclosed. Foreign trips undertaken without adequate permission have also drawn criticism as instances of extravagance.

The government's repeated claims that the state treasury is empty, while spending crores on what are described as unnecessary expenses, have been cited as evidence of its double standards.