It would be interesting to note what Dr Thomas Isaac has to say through the budget

It could be a swan song for Finance Minister Dr Thomas Isaac n budget presentation for the time being, but he seems to be undeterred in his determination to present some innovative things this time as well, even as Assembly elections are around the corner.

Other puny figures may say what is the point in highlighting schemes which his government may not be there to execute. But it is the duty of any political governance not to concede defeat before the battle is over with.

And Dr Thomas Isaac says the people would decide let there be another stint for the LDF Government considering his budget proposals.

All the same, whether the LDF gets renewed mandate for governance or not, Dr Thomas Isaac has the right to speak through the budget, which he says would clear the path for Future Kerala.

Last time he had hoped to make some money for the state through sand-mining in dams, but at the end of the day he had the warmth to concede that the scheme did not yield much.

He had the good fortune to keep the treasury open on all days, for there was no want of money on crucial occasions. People may say there was stock money only because implementation of schemes was tardy.He cannot alone be blamed for non-execution of projects, for other departments also have to come up with vigour for carrying out deeds.

Of course, Dr Thomas Isaac’s coffer was immensely benefited by the hike in price of petroleum on several occasions during the last one year. There were five instances of hikes during the last half a year. The tax and duty on petrol would have resulted in considerable levy for the state. It is one thing you can go on berating the Centre for hike in price of petroleum, and it is another thing in economics when you get a lot of money out of it.

Politics apart, no one can say Dr Thomas Isaac is lacking in qualification and experience, theoretical as well as practical, for he has been doing a fine job. One hopes his image would not have been stymied by other mundane things like the lottery imbroglio.