Kerala Chief Minister Launches Blistering Attack on Centre and Opposition
Thiruvananthapuram witnessed a fiery political confrontation on Monday as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan set the stage for the upcoming assembly election campaign. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader delivered a powerful indictment against both the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre and the Congress party in Kerala.
Vijayan inaugurated a sit-in protest at Martyrs' Column, using the platform to accuse these political forces of actively working against Kerala's broader interests. He painted a picture of coordinated opposition that threatens the state's development and welfare programs.
Economic Strangulation Allegations
The Chief Minister presented specific financial data to support his claims of an economic blockade. He revealed that during the January-March period, the Centre slashed Kerala's allocation by more than half of what was due.
"Our state was supposed to receive Rs 12,000 crore," Vijayan stated emphatically. "But Rs 5,900 crore was denied without any proper justification."
He further detailed that arrears from central schemes until September 2025 have accumulated to Rs 5,783.69 crore. This financial pressure forced the state government to take loans in December just to cover essential expenses.
Vijayan argued this wasn't random bureaucratic delay but calculated policy. "The figures were specifically calculated to impact every section of our population," he asserted. "This leaves no doubt about the Centre's true intentions."
Broader Political Conspiracy Claims
The Chief Minister expanded his criticism beyond immediate financial matters. He accused the Centre of systematically trying to undermine Kerala's achievements in health and education sectors.
"Their clear aim is to erase our proud accomplishments," Vijayan declared. "They want to dismantle welfare schemes and make life difficult for farmers, workers, and ordinary citizens."
He noted with particular irony that even funds for projects announced in the Prime Minister's name were being blocked for Kerala. This selective implementation of central schemes formed a key part of his argument.
Federal Structure Under Threat
Vijayan identified what he called the "biggest issue for all states" - excessive centralization of power in New Delhi. He cited examples of bills passed by Kerala's legislative assembly being indefinitely withheld by the Centre.
"Undemocratic actions continue without any check," he warned. "This includes legislation on matters that should rightfully belong to states."
The Chief Minister contrasted Kerala's treatment with that of other states. "When the Centre favors a particular state government, it lavishly grants funds using discretionary powers," he observed. "Financial blockades are specifically imposed on governments led by political parties they don't politically align with."
Historical Precedents Cited
Vijayan reminded listeners of two significant incidents that he said demonstrated this discriminatory pattern. During the devastating 2018 floods, Kerala was denied permission to accept foreign aid. Similarly, survivors of the Wayanad landslide were refused external assistance.
"The same authorities later allowed Maharashtra to accept foreign assistance," he pointed out, highlighting what he called inconsistent application of rules.
Congress Complicity Alleged
In perhaps his most politically charged allegation, Vijayan repeated the CPM's long-standing claim that Congress was "working hand in glove with BJP in Kerala." He accused the principal opposition party of viewing the state's financial crisis as an opportunity for narrow political gains rather than standing in solidarity.
"Congress and UDF are not ready to reach any consensus on protecting federal values," he charged. "They won't even let INTUC join the strike against central policies."
Call for Mass Resistance
The Chief Minister framed the struggle as fundamental to India's democratic character. He warned that the Sangh Parivar seeks to rewrite India's history and interfere with state-funded universities.
"Mass opinion against the Centre's undemocratic approaches is absolutely necessary," Vijayan urged. "This is essential for protecting our federal, democratic, and secular values."
He concluded with a stark warning about the stakes involved. "Our state is locked in a fight for the survival of the land and its people," Vijayan declared. "Kerala is being denied many constitutional entitlements. Central authorities, who believe they hold excessive power, are depriving us of our rights and forcing us to protest in extraordinary situations."
The sit-in protest marks the beginning of what promises to be a heated election campaign in Kerala, with federalism and financial autonomy emerging as central themes.
