In his cumbersome Budget speech on Friday, Kerala finance minister Thomas Isaac excessively invoked veteran Malayalam writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair, in a strategical attempt to drive home his points.
Isaac began his speech with a reference to MT's harsh criticism on PM Narendra Modi's demonetization drive and went on to quote from the Jnanpith Award winner's works while mentioning several projects and allocations.
"Those who have read MT's novel 'Manju' and watched the film based on the work will never forget the beauty of the lakes in Nainital. Kerala is blessed with such lakes, but they are in a bad shape," Isaac said, while allocating funds for rejuvenation of water bodies.
As expected, Isaac in his people-friendly budget made large allocations for public health and education sectors. And on both occasions, he relied on MT’s masterpieces to make his stance strong and clear. He mentioned a dialogue from the short story 'Bheeru' to adduce the sad state of government hospitals.
Budget: Invoking fiction is fine, but we need clarity on facts
Thakazhi, Vidhu and some harsh realities in Isaac's budget
Besides quoting from MT's various works, the finance minister elaborated on the social conditions during different stages of the writer's life from childhood; again, to call into question the hardships caused by demonetization during the 80s.
Isaac blamed the Center for the crisis in public distribution sector and likened the Modi government to the patriarch in MT's magnum opus 'Naalukettu', who keeps the keys of the storage house with him in a bid to prevent others from using the resources.
In an obvious choice, Isaac alluded to the rainy climax of 'Vyshali', a film scripted by none other than MT, while calling attention to the need to conserve water bodies.
The Budget speech was concluded with a reference to MT's speech terming note ban a 'Tughlak-ian reform'.
Interestingly, MT made the controversial speech while releasing a book by Isaac on demonetization.
The octogenarian writer, known for his dignified silence, was heavily targeted by Sangh Parivar, who alleged that he was playing to the tune of the Left front.
This is not the first time Isaac is resorting to literary and cultural allusions to fill up his Budget speech. Last time, it was Sree Narayana Guru and ONV.