Protest over the alleged neglect meted out to Kerala in the Union Budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday (February 1, 2026) reverberated in the Kerala Assembly on Monday with ruling Left Democratic Front members slamming the Union government for shortchanging the State.
Their criticisms came during the general discussion on the State Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal on January 29, which began in the Assembly amid an Opposition United Democratic Front boycott over alleged violation of rules in granting parole to convicts and the rejection of an adjournment motion to discuss the matter.
LDF members said the Union Budget neglected all the major demands of the State. In boycotting the Assembly, the Opposition UDF is supporting the BJP, they alleged. Kadakampally Surendran of the CPI(M) said that instead of the high-speed rail, Kerala has received “high-speed neglect.”
In proposing the Dedicated Rare Earth Corridor, Kerala had intended that allied industries are established in the State in the public sector. However, there is suspicion that the rare earth corridor project announced in the Union Budget is meant to help private entities monopolise the sector, Mr. Surendran said.
On the State Budget presented by Mr. Balagopal, LDF members described it as a boost to the ‘Navakeralam’ concept. Deputy Speaker Chittayam Gopakumar urged Mr. Balagopal to announce measures for regularising Saksharatha Preraks. He also wanted a resolution to be taken up by the House to ensure minimum wages for ASHA workers. K.A. Ansalan of the CPI(M) sought continued support for the development of the fisheries harbour at Vizhinjam and the Karamana-Kalayikkavila NH stretch.
The general discussion on the State Budget will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Published – February 02, 2026 08:13 pm IST
