Amid the privatisation row centred on proposals in the 2026-27 Revised Budget, the United Democratic Front (UDF) government on Monday told the Assembly that the push for private participation in the State’s critical minerals sector actually took place when the Left Democratic Front (LDF) was in power.Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty told the House that State-run Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd (KMML) in Kollam district had decided to issue work order to a Hyderabad-based company for monazite ‘cracking’ earlier this year when the LDF was in power.According to Mr. Satheesan, the 265th meeting of the KMML board, which has State government representatives on it, had floated global e-tenders in this regard, based on an expression of interest, on January 20.The KMML received three offers; one of which was from the Hyderabad-based company. The 267th board meeting on February 25 had decided to issue work order to this firm, Mr. Satheesan said. “This was for private participation in the mineral sector,” he said, adding that his Revised Budget was devoid of any mention of privatisation.Mr. Kunhalikutty said the KMML did not sign a memorandum of understanding with the Hyderabad company as the Assembly elections intervened. He also indicated that the UDF government did not intend to get its fingers burned by pursuing this proposal.The Opposition LDF did not respond to the UDF charge in the Assembly on Monday.The mineral monazite is a primary source of rare earth elements. ‘Cracking’ is the process of breaking its natural phosphate structure. The government’s charge against the Opposition comes amid the latter’s privatisation allegations about proposals in the Revised Budget, including those related to a rare earth and critical minerals corridor and a southern Kerala economic corridor.Tax driveMr. Satheesan said the government intended to launch a major tax drive to plug leakage and identify defaulters. He informed the Assembly that stern action would be initiated against tax defaulters. The government also intended to start delivering on the Budget announcements starting three months from now, he said. Published - June 29, 2026 07:34 pm IST