Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday (February 1, 2026) described the Union Budget as “documentary evidence of cruel neglect towards Kerala,” alleging that the union government had deliberately sidelined the State across sectors and weakened federal principles.
Inaugurating the Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) northern region development rally at Kumbala, the Chief Minister said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman appeared to have forgotten Kerala existed on India’s map.
Addressing a large gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted the State government’s development and welfare initiatives, while asserting that the Union government continues to deny Kerala its due.
“The Centre is displaying clear discrimination. Other States get priority while Kerala is sidelined. We must recognise our own worth and fight for it,” he said.
Mr. Vijayan criticised the Opposition, including Congress, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for adopting a stance against development projects. He said the Union government offered no support even during adversities and discouraged foreign aid to Kerala.
“In other States, government and Opposition work and stand together for the development and to fulfil the demands of public needs. In Kerala, the Opposition obstructs development, thereby stalling progress,” he added.
He reiterated Kerala’s demand for semi-high speed rail and an All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS). “The Centre approved the AIIMS in principle. Four sites were proposed and Kozhikode was selected. Yet even in this Budget, the project finds no mention,” he said.
On infrastructure, he noted that Vizhinjam port, capable of handling large vessels, was also ignored despite its strategic importance.
Achievements highlighted
Highlighting broader development achievements since 2016, the Chief Minister said public schools have been revitalised, infrastructure improved and textbooks distributed in a timely manner. Through various initiatives like Aardram Mission, government hospitals witnessed major upgrades. With improvement in health sector, Kerala surpassed global standards in infant mortality reduction. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the State’s health system set an example globally. After the LDF government came to power, the pension was raised and all the dues were cleared.
“All welfare benefits were extended to citizens regardless of caste, religion or creed,” he said.
He warned against attempts to exploit religious sentiments., “The BJP’s hatred and political schemes cannot be accepted. The LDF government’s interventions ensure welfare, development and progress for the people.”
The rally, led by Communist Party of India (M) [CPI(M)] State secretary M.V. Govindan is the first of three Statewide tours designed to highlight the government’s achievements and mobilise public support. It will cover Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram and conclude at Tharoor in Palakkad on February 16. In Kasaragod, the first day reception ended at Nullippadi, with subsequent stops at Periyattukad in Uduma, Kotacheri in Kanhangad and Trikaripur, concluding at Payyannur town.
CPI national secretariat member P. Santhosh Kumar is managing the rally.
Published – February 01, 2026 08:48 pm IST
