At a press meet here, Joseph took strong exception to Ramesh's stand that it would be difficult for the Centre to provide funds for any agency other than Kudumbashree, which has a successful track record over the years and the state's nodal agency for National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
Alleging that Ramesh did not heed the state's views on the matter, Joseph said, "the state government is not a squatter before residences of the central ministers."
Ramesh had totally ignored the state's views on the matter and this was not acceptable, Joseph, who also belongs to the Congress, said.
During his visit to the state capital last month, Ramesh, who holds Rural Development portfolio, had taken a firm stand that there was no question of the Centre permitting replacement of Kudumbasree Poverty Eradication Mission by any other agency.
His strong support to Kudumbashree has disappointed sections in the state Congress who have been complaining that Kudumbashree has been hijacked by the CPI(M).
They also wanted pro-Congress "Janasree Mission" to be considered for liberal central support.
The CPI(M) also spearheaded a campaign last month accusing the UDF Government of trying to wreck Kudumbashree by extending undue support and patronage to Janasree.
