Kerala Chief Minister Accuses Opposition of Sabarimala Conspiracy to Derail Development
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has launched a sharp critique against the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that their alignment on the Sabarimala issue is a calculated move to obstruct Kerala's developmental trajectory. Speaking at the inauguration of the Left Democratic Front's (LDF) central region rally, led by Kerala Congress (M) chairman Jose K Mani at the Old Bus Stand ground in Pathanamthitta, Vijayan emphasized that this political unity aims to overshadow the state's progress and the central government's apparent neglect.
UDF Evading Assembly Debates, Says CM
Vijayan accused the UDF of deliberately avoiding substantive discussions within the legislative assembly. "The UDF is afraid of discussions within the assembly," he stated, highlighting that crucial public issues should ideally emerge during policy and budget deliberations. "Most discussions on public issues should arise during policy and budget discussions, but the UDF is staying away from them. They are not ready to raise issues and are making unilateral statements." He argued that if proper debates were held, the truth would surface, exposing what he termed as the UDF's "false propaganda" and evasion of accountability.
Central Budget Shows Discrimination Towards Kerala
The Chief Minister pointed to the Union Budget as evidence of the central government's biased approach. Despite Kerala being recognized as a leader in multiple sectors in the Economic Survey report, Vijayan lamented that the budget reflects severe neglect. "Kerala has been waiting for an AIIMS for a long time, but it was not granted this time either," he noted, detailing the state's prolonged efforts. "The previous govt in 2016 pointed out four locations, but the central govt asked to specify one particular place. The subsequent govt found the necessary land in Kinaloor, Kozhikode, and submitted a report. Since then, Kerala waited for AIIMS." He added that although five new medical centers were announced in the budget, none were allocated to Kerala, underscoring a pattern of disregard.
Neglect Extends to Key Projects and Sectors
Vijayan expanded on the central government's indifference, citing similar neglect in critical areas:
- Ayurveda Sector: Lack of support and funding for traditional medicine initiatives.
- Sabari Rail Line: Delays and insufficient attention to this vital transportation project.
- High-Speed Rail Projects: Exclusion from national infrastructure plans.
He attributed this neglect to political animosity, stating, "Kerala is a society that does not hold much affection for BJP and RSS. This is why the central govt is prepared to neglect Kerala with animosity." Vijayan reaffirmed Kerala's commitment to secularism, noting that the state has remained free from communal conflicts for a decade, with the government taking a firm stance against communal forces.
Sabarimala Gold Scam Investigation and Political Implications
Regarding the Sabarimala gold scam, Vijayan claimed that the opposition is reluctant to discuss the matter in the assembly to prevent facts from emerging. "The govt maintains a stance of no leniency for any wrongdoing," he asserted, highlighting that a special investigation team under the high court's supervision is rigorously probing the case. "The recent remarks by the high court made the facts clear to the people." Concluding his address, he expressed confidence that the public would support the LDF's continuation in power, viewing it as a bulwark against divisive politics.
