Amid rising tensions in West Asia, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday (Mar 22, 2026) criticized what he called the Centre’s reluctance to take a firm stand against the US, warning that the conflict was fueling global instability and affecting livelihoods in the country.
Inaugurating the statue of C. Kannan, a prominent CPI(M) and trade union leader in Kannur, he said that millions of people across the world were living in anxiety due to the prevailing war situation. He argued that the aggressive policies of the US and its allies were contributing significantly to global unrest and said that India should have taken a strong anti-imperialist stance.
He said the impact of the conflict was already being felt in the country, with costs rising in sectors such as hospitality and daily household expenses. He also pointed to concerns among expatriates in the Gulf countries, including Keralites, about possible job losses due to economic uncertainty.
Criticizing India’s approach to foreign policy, he said the country, despite being a sovereign state, was not ready to openly condemn the US, adding that the situation had reached a point where India had to ask the US for permission to buy oil from Russia.
Recalling Kannan’s role, the Chief Minister said he worked closely with beedi workers and led efforts to protect workers’ rights. “Even after 20 years, he still lives in the hearts of workers. His courage, clarity and decisive interventions made his word authoritative in labor matters,” he said.
He expressed concern about the growing problems facing workers, including job insecurity and attempts to erode hard-won labor rights such as the minimum wage, and said those gains should not be rolled back.
Criticizing policies seen as favoring corporate interests, he said unions would step up efforts to protect workers while highlighting broader concerns such as rising poverty and inadequate welfare measures.
Beedi workers contributed ₹30 lakh for the construction of the statue. The sculpture was created by Unni Kannayi. CPI(M) leaders including MV Govindan, PK Sreemathy, KP Sahadevan, KK Ragesh and minister Ramachandran Kadanapally were present.
Published – 22 March 2026 20:49 IST
