<h1>Kerala Finance Minister Defends State's Growth Amid Central Restrictions; Highlights Infrastructure Gains and Revenue Boosts</h1> Kerala's Finance Minister stated that the state's expenditure and revenue have increased despite financial restrictions from the central government. He highlighted visible improvements in infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and hospitals, and refuted opposition claims of slow development and high taxes. The minister noted that 73% of planned expenditure was completed, with local project allocations at 94.5%. He emphasized the state's increased revenue generation and criticized the central government's reduced financial support. The opposition accused the state government of excessive taxation and inadequate public benefits, citing stalled infrastructure projects and worker protests.