Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday (February 1, 2026) described the Union Budget as a “documentary proof of the cruel neglect of Kerala”, alleging that the Union government had deliberately sidelined the state across sectors and weakened federal principles.
Inaugurating the Left Democratic Front (LDF) Northern Region Development Rally in Kumbala, the Chief Minister said that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman seems to have forgotten that Kerala exists on the map of India.
Addressing a large gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted the development and social initiatives of the state government while saying that the Union government continues to deny Kerala its due.
“The Center is showing clear discrimination. Other states are getting priority while Kerala is sidelined. We have to recognize our own worth and fight for it,” he said.
Mr. Vijayan criticized the opposition, including the Congress, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for taking a stance against development projects. He said that the Union government did not offer any support even during adversity and discouraged foreign aid to Kerala.
“In other states, the government and the opposition work together and stand together for development and meeting the demands of public needs. In Kerala, the opposition is obstructing development, thereby hampering progress,” he added.
He reiterated Kerala’s demand for a semi-high speed railway and an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). “The Center has approved AIIMS in principle. Four sites have been proposed and Kozhikode has been selected. Yet even in this budget, there is no mention of the project,” he said.
On infrastructure, he noted that the Vizhinjam port, capable of handling large vessels, was also ignored despite its strategic importance.
Highlighted achievements
The chief minister highlighted broader development achievements since 2016, saying public schools had been revitalized, infrastructure improved and textbooks distributed on time. Through various initiatives like the Aardram mission, government hospitals have witnessed major upgrades. With improvements in healthcare, Kerala has surpassed global standards in reducing infant mortality. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the state health system set a global example. After the LDF government came to power, the pension was increased and all dues were paid.
“All welfare benefits have been extended to citizens irrespective of caste, religion or creed,” he said.
He warned against attempts to exploit religious sentiments. “BJP’s hatred and political agendas cannot be accepted. LDF government’s interventions ensure welfare, development and progress for the people.”
The rally, led by Communist Party of India (M) (CPI(M)) state secretary MV Govindan, is the first of three nationwide tours aimed at highlighting the government’s achievements and mobilizing public support. It will cover Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram and end at Tharoor in Palakkad on February 16. In Kasaragod, the reception on the first day ended at Nullippadi, followed by stops at Periyattukad in Uduma, Kotacheri in Kanhangad and Trikaripura and ending at Payyannur town.
CPI national secretariat member P. Santhosh Kumar conducts the rally.
Published – 01 Feb 2026 20:48 IST