Kerala Congress Leader Accuses Centre of Deliberate Economic Weakening Through Rubber Policy
Kottayam: In a sharp political attack, Kerala Congress (M) chairman Jose K Mani has accused the BJP-led central government of implementing policies designed to economically weaken Kerala. Speaking at a function organized as part of the Left Democratic Front's (LDF) ‘Vikasana Munneta Jatha' for the central zone, Mani alleged a calculated strategy to shift rubber cultivation from Kerala to north-eastern states.
Strategic Relocation of Rubber Cultivation Alleged
Mani, whose KC(M) is a key ally in the ruling LDF coalition, claimed the Centre is strategically relocating rubber cultivation to north-eastern states with the explicit intention of damaging Kerala's economy. "This move aims to economically weaken Kerala by shifting rubber cultivation away from our southern state," Mani asserted during his address. The allegation suggests a deliberate policy shift that could impact thousands of Kerala farmers dependent on rubber cultivation for their livelihood.
Opposition Parties Accused of Blocking Development
The Kerala Congress leader further criticized both the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for their approach to Kerala's development. "Whenever the state government announces development projects, both the Congress-led UDF and the BJP oppose them," Mani claimed. He elaborated that these political rivals compete with each other in blocking the state's progress while remaining silent about Centre-imposed measures that economically squeeze Kerala.
Undeclared Economic Blockade Allegation
Mani made the serious accusation that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is imposing an undeclared economic blockade on Kerala by withholding financial allocations rightfully due to the state. Despite these financial constraints, he praised the LDF government's ability to ensure development through alternative mechanisms. "Through efficient financial management, we have utilized the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) and implemented welfare schemes despite central obstacles," Mani explained.
Political Context and Implications
The allegations come amid ongoing political tensions between Kerala's ruling LDF coalition and the central government. Mani specifically criticized the UDF for what he described as consistent attempts to stall the state's development and progress by raising unnecessary controversies. The speech highlights growing concerns about federal relations and economic policies affecting Kerala's agricultural sector and overall development trajectory.
As Kerala continues to navigate complex economic challenges, these allegations from a key political ally of the ruling coalition add another layer to the ongoing debate about center-state relations, agricultural policy, and economic development in southern India.
