Kerala CM Leads Major Protest Against Centre's Financial Restrictions
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan led a significant protest on Monday against what he called financial restrictions imposed by the Union government. The Chief Minister, along with his Cabinet colleagues, MLAs, and leaders of the ruling Left Democratic Front, staged a sit-in at the Martyrs' Column in Thiruvananthapuram.
An Extraordinary Situation
Addressing the day-long agitation, Vijayan described the situation as extraordinary. He stated that many of Kerala's constitutional rights as a state are being taken away. The Chief Minister emphasized that they are forced to protest to safeguard their rights.
"This is an extraordinary situation in which we are forced to protest to safeguard our rights," Vijayan declared. "These rights are being snatched away by rulers at the Centre who think they have excessive power."
Financial Strangulation Allegations
Vijayan alleged that the Union government is exploring ways to financially strangle the state. He provided specific details about fund restrictions that have impacted Kerala's finances.
According to the Chief Minister, the Union government has slashed more than half of the funds that Kerala is entitled to receive in the last quarter of the financial year. He explained that for the next three-month period, Kerala was entitled to get Rs 12,000 crore from the Centre.
"Apart from the state's own revenue, this loan from the Centre would have helped the state meet various expenditures in the last quarter of the fiscal year," Vijayan said. "An amount of Rs 5,900 crore has been denied without any justification."
Demanding What is Rightfully Owed
The Chief Minister made it clear that Kerala is not asking for any handout from the Union government. Instead, the state is demanding what is rightfully owed to it under constitutional provisions.
"We are demanding what is rightfully owed to us, not any handout from the Union government," Vijayan asserted. "Kerala stands firm in its resolve and will resist every attempt to subvert states' constitutional rights."
Previous Protests and Ongoing Tensions
This protest follows similar actions taken by the state government earlier. In February 2024, the state Cabinet led by Vijayan had staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. That protest was against what they called the Union government's neglect of the state.
The current protest highlights ongoing tensions between the Kerala government and the Centre regarding financial matters and state rights. The sit-in at the Martyrs' Column drew significant attention in the state capital, with many supporters joining the demonstration.
Kerala's political leadership has consistently raised concerns about what they perceive as unequal treatment in financial allocations. The state government argues that such restrictions hinder development projects and welfare schemes that benefit Kerala's residents.
The protest comes at a crucial time when states across India are preparing for the final quarter of the financial year. Many states rely on central funds to complete ongoing projects and meet their financial obligations.
Observers note that this protest reflects broader issues in Centre-state relations in India's federal structure. The debate over financial autonomy and resource allocation continues to be a significant point of discussion in Indian politics.
