Kerala Cabinet’s Protest at Jantar Mantar, Pinarayi Vijayan Call Against Centre’s Neglect

Reasons for Protest by Pinarayi Vijayan :

• The LDF alleges a deliberate effort by the Union government to impede the development of Kerala, leading to a financial crisis in the state.
• Funds owed to the state, including its share of tax revenue, are reportedly being withheld by the Centre.
• The Union Government’s limitations on Kerala’s borrowing for developmental activities have intensified the financial challenges faced by the state.
• Union Government’s Actions:
• The LDF claims that the Centre’s actions are contributing to a slowdown in development, adversely affecting the popularity of the LDF government.
• Kerala’s plea to borrow money for essential infrastructure development is allegedly being denied, even as other states are allowed to do so.
• Protest Details:
• The Cabinet, along with all LDF legislators and Members of Parliament, will participate in the protest at Jantar Mantar.
• The demonstration is expected to draw attention to what the LDF perceives as injustice towards Kerala by the Union Government.
• LDF’s Strategy:
• The LDF wishes to make the protest a collective effort involving the entire state, urging cooperation from the Congress-led Opposition UDF.
• Simultaneously, LDF workers at the grassroots level will visit households, informing the public about the state’s concerns.
• Public meetings will be organized at panchayats and local bodies to engage with citizens.
• The Kerala government and the LDF have been in a prolonged protest mode, contesting Union Government policies seen as economically stifling the state.
• Kerala has already challenged the Union Government’s imposed limits on the state’s borrowing in the Supreme Court.
• Last month, the state cabinet embarked on a month-long tour to raise awareness against what it called the Union government’s “anti-people” policies.

The protest at Jantar Mantar is a significant move by the Kerala Cabinet to highlight its grievances against the Union Government. As the state faces financial challenges and restrictions on its developmental initiatives, the agitation serves as a platform to voice concerns and seek redressal on the national stage. The participation of the entire LDF, including legislators and MPs, underscores the collective effort to address the perceived neglect by the Centre. The protest also aims to rally public support and raise awareness about the challenges faced by Kerala due to the Union Government’s policies.