Chief Ministers Unite in Delhi Protest Against Centre’s Alleged Financial Injustice

Chief Ministers from various states, including Kerala’s Pinarayi Vijayan, convened in Delhi on Thursday to voice their collective protest against what they perceive as financial injustice perpetuated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government. The demonstration, led by Vijayan, follows a similar event organized by the Karnataka government the previous day.

Vijayan, addressing the gathering, emphasized the significance of their united front, describing it as a pivotal moment in India’s history. He underscored their shared objective of safeguarding India’s federal structure and ensuring equal treatment for all states. The protest, he stated, aimed to draw attention to the pressing issues of immediate GST compensation, revenue deficit grant, fair tax devolution, and settlement of pending central grants. Vijayan emphasized the critical importance of equitable distribution of resources for fostering development across the nation.

The demonstration witnessed the participation of several prominent leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, former Union Minister Kapil Sibal, and Tamil Nadu Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan.

This protest comes amidst escalating tensions between states ruled by parties opposed to the BJP and the Union government. Recently, West Bengal Chief Minister led a two-day protest in Kolkata, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed support for Vijayan’s cause. Stalin emphasized the need for progressive states to resist the Union government’s attempts to control state finances, asserting that such interference has intensified in recent years.

The Kerala government, under Vijayan’s leadership, has accused the BJP-led Centre of exacerbating the state’s financial crisis by curtailing its borrowing limit and withholding rightful dues. Kerala’s Finance Minister KN Balagopal highlighted the Centre’s alleged withholding of approximately ₹57,000 crore in dues, warning of the dire consequences if this neglect persists.

Vijayan stressed that the protest is not driven by partisan politics but by a collective imperative to secure Kerala’s constitutional rights. He cited instances of financial discrimination by the Centre, including a reduction in the state’s share of taxes and disproportionate revenue sharing, which he argued are detrimental to Kerala’s progress.

While the Congress-led UDF in Kerala refrained from joining the protest, Vijayan reiterated the importance of the state’s struggle in the larger context of preserving federalism and ensuring fair treatment for all states. The protest in Delhi underscores the growing discontent among non-BJP ruled states and highlights the need for constructive dialogue to address their grievances.