CPM Kerala Announces Black Day Protest Against Union Budget's Alleged Neglect
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) state secretariat in Kerala has declared Tuesday as a black day in protest against what it calls the severe neglect shown towards Kerala in the Union Budget. The party will raise black flags at all its booths and organize demonstrations against what it terms an "anti-people Budget."
Budget "Suggests Kerala Doesn't Exist on India's Map"
In a strongly worded statement, the CPM state secretariat expressed deep disappointment, stating that the Budget seemed to suggest Kerala does not exist on India's map. The party highlighted that despite raising 29 specific demands during discussions with the Union finance minister prior to the Budget, none were considered in the final document.
Key Demands and Projects Ignored
The CPM outlined numerous areas where Kerala's requests were allegedly overlooked:
- No AIIMS announcement for Kerala, despite long-standing requests for the premier medical institute
- Exclusion from seven high-speed rail corridors announced in the Budget
- No special package for the development of Vizhinjam Port
- No All India Institute of Ayurveda for Kerala, despite the state being known as the hub of Ayurveda
- Exclusion from inland water transport projects
Traditional Industries and Infrastructure Neglected
The statement further criticized the central government for failing to take steps to protect Kerala's traditional industries. Even in announcements concerning universities and townships, Kerala found no mention. Specific grievances included:
- No price stabilization fund for rubber, a crucial crop for the state
- No mention of the previously announced railway coach factory
- Complete absence of measures aimed at the welfare of expatriates, who significantly support Kerala's economy
- Scheme workers, including ASHAs, were completely ignored
Budget "Abandons Common People While Protecting Corporates"
The CPM statement accused the Budget of completely abandoning common people while protecting corporate interests. It pointed out that not only was there no increase in corporate taxes, but alternate tax for large companies was actually reduced. The party characterized the central budget as something that harms all of the state's interests.
Welfare Schemes and Employment Programs Undermined
According to the CPM, the Budget showed no moves to increase welfare schemes and instead implemented significant cuts in the employment guarantee scheme, undermining what has been an effectively functioning program in Kerala. The party concluded that the Budget, which it claims completely ignores the poor, also greatly neglects Kerala's specific needs and contributions to the national economy.
The protest actions planned for Tuesday represent a significant political response to what the CPM perceives as systematic exclusion of Kerala from national development initiatives and budgetary allocations.
