The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) opposition will launch a popular movement against the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s alleged plan to impose a levy on motorists using roads that have been relaid, constructed, or widened with funds from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).
On Thursday, the Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan, told reporters the next UDF meeting would finalise the course of action.
He said the government channelled the extra fuel cess and a significant share of the road tax to KIIFB. Despite the vast fund infusion, quixotic investments and profligacy had sent the special-purpose vehicle into a tailspin.
The LDF wanted the people to pay for KIIFB’s losses. He said the government’s move would make commuting more expensive, strain family budgets, and exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis.
A UDF insider said the opposition alliance would consider whether to stage a repeat of the anti-Silverline agitation that rocked the LDF government in 2017.
He said the opposition sensed resistance within the ruling front against imposing a road toll ahead of the impending local body polls, fearing a backlash.
