Kerala, Jan 12 : Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today initiated a new front of resistance with a one-day Satyagraha protest in Thiruvananthapuram, targeting the Union government for what he described as financial strangulation of the state.
Organised by the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), the protest at the Martyrs’ Memorial (Raktasakshi Mandapam), Palayamm, aims to draw national attention to the alleged violation of Kerala’s financial rights. The agitation will continue until 5 pm today, with participation from ministers, legislators, MPs, party leaders, and other elected representatives.
Centre Accused of Violating Fiscal Rights
Addressing the gathering, Vijayan accused the BJP-led Centre of discriminatory policies and violating the state’s constitutional rights.
“What is happening to Kerala is something that should never occur in a democratic country. The Union rulers are arbitrarily and discriminatorily usurping our rights. These are constitutional rights, and it is to protect those rights that we are being forced to take to the streets,” he said.
The CM alleged that the Union government cut funds available to Kerala by more than half from January through March, impacting crucial state expenditures.
“Kerala was entitled to ₹12,000 crore. Of this, ₹5,900 crore borrowing limit has been denied without justification. In addition, under centrally sponsored schemes, the state spends its own funds first, but support is delayed or withheld,” he added.
Alleged Targeting of Kerala’s Development
Vijayan claimed that the Centre’s actions were aimed at weakening Kerala and undermining its achievements across sectors.
“These measures do not target only the state government they affect all sections of the people. This is part of a deliberate, well-planned approach to squeeze Kerala,” he said.
The Satyagraha protest represents Kerala’s attempt to assert its constitutional and fiscal rights and seek equitable treatment from the Union government.