CPI Leader Binoy Viswam Lambasts Union Budget 2026 as 'Disappointing' for Kerala
CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam has launched a scathing attack on the Union Budget 2026-27 presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, accusing the third Narendra Modi-led government of once again "deceiving Kerala" by sidelining the state's critical development needs and long-standing demands. In a strongly worded statement from Thiruvananthapuram, Viswam labeled the budget as "entirely disappointing" and questioned the government's characterization of it as a 'Youth Power Budget'.
Budget Fails to Address Youth Unemployment, Says Viswam
Viswam highlighted that the absence of concrete measures to tackle rising unemployment has turned the budget into a "mockery of the youth". He pointed out that unemployment levels across the country have reached alarming proportions, making the government's claims about youth empowerment hollow. With assembly elections approaching in four states, expectations were high for a budget that reflected people's aspirations, but Viswam alleged it fell short.
Kerala's Infrastructure Proposals Ignored in Budget Allocations
The CPI leader detailed how Kerala's finance department had submitted comprehensive proposals to the Union finance ministry ahead of the budget, focusing on key development-linked projects. These included:
- Ancillary infrastructure for Vizhinjam International Seaport, such as rail connectivity for container movement
- An industrial corridor to boost economic growth
- A maritime cluster to enhance port operations
Viswam alleged that the lack of adequate allocations for these projects would severely hamper Kerala's development trajectory. He also criticized the Centre for once again ignoring Kerala's demand for a special financial package of Rs 21,000 crore, which he said is crucial for the state's progress.
No Funds for Paddy Storage and Exclusion from National Projects
Furthering his critique, Viswam noted that no funds were allocated for paddy storage facilities and mills, despite the state seeking Rs 2,000 crore for this purpose. He also expressed dismay over Kerala's exclusion from several national proposals, including:
- A Defence Research and Development corridor
- An AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) facility
- Waterway development projects
- High-speed rail corridors
- City economic regions
Unmet Expectations and Allegations of Bias
Viswam said that expectations regarding schemes for senior citizens, expatriate rehabilitation, and an enhanced GST share remained unmet in the budget. He alleged that national resources were disproportionately allocated to BJP-ruled states, while Kerala's legitimate demands were overlooked. According to him, the budget largely benefits monopolies rather than addressing the needs of common people.
In conclusion, Viswam asserted that the Union Budget 2026-27 failed to empower the youth and did not deserve to be termed a 'Youth Power Budget'. He called for greater attention to Kerala's development needs and a more equitable distribution of resources in future fiscal policies.
