In a recent press conference, former finance minister K N Balagopal contested the claims made by Chief Minister V D Satheesan regarding Kerala's financial liabilities. The newly released White Paper by the United Democratic Front (UDF) government indicates that the state's liabilities stand at ₹5 lakh crore, contrary to Satheesan's assertion of over ₹6 lakh crore. Balagopal emphasized that the anticipated revenue deficit grant of ₹14,000 crore was warranted, given the Centre's lack of a definitive rejection on extending this grant. He criticized the UDF government for failing to explain the reasons behind the state's financial challenges, pointing out that tax revenue and central grants have significantly decreased. Furthermore, Balagopal expressed concern over the government's decision to employ an external committee for the White Paper's preparation, suggesting it undermines the confidentiality of government accounts. Supporting Balagopal's views, former finance minister T M Thomas Isaac defended the financial strategies of the Pinarayi government, attributing the state's fiscal issues to the Centre's inadequate financial support compared to other states.