Jayarajan accuses the UDF government of using the KIIFB probe to stall development

Communist Party of India (Marxist) president MV Jayarajan has accused the Congress-led UDF government in Kerala of using the Vigilance probe into land acquisition for Kerala Infrastructure Investment Board (KIIFB) projects to prevent development, especially in Kannur.

He alleged that the government order dated October 30, 2026 selectively targeted land acquisition in Kannur even though similar practices were followed in Palakkad under the same central legislation.

Speaking to reporters in Kannur on Sunday, Mr. Jayarajan said the government was undermining nearly ₹60,000 crore worth of development projects that had received administrative approval, were commissioned or under construction through KIIFB. He said projects worth more than ₹40,000 crore have already been completed, including roads, bridges, school buildings, hospitals and government offices.

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has been directed to conduct a detailed probe into the procedures used to acquire 4,896 acres in Kannur at a cost of around ₹12,240 crore. The government order also refers to the acquisition of 470 acres in Palakkad, giving a total of 5,366 acres, with an estimated expenditure of ₹12,710 crore. However, Mr. Jayarajan questioned why the investigation was specifically focused on Kannur and why a special team was formed for the purpose.

He pointed out that Revenue Minister AP Anilkumar had informed the assembly on October 29 in response to a question that land in Kannur and Palakkad had been acquired under the Central Land Acquisition Act passed in 2013. The land had been acquired by special tahsildars for KIIFB and KINFRA projects.

According to the minister’s response, the value of the compensation was initially determined through an order dated 12 April 2022. However, a subsequent order set a reduction of up to 80% of the base value for land that has undergone physical changes, including areas previously exposed to mining.

Mr. Jayarajan said the land owners challenged the valuation in court. Following court directions, a committee appointed by the district administration inspected the land and the court accepted its report, he added.

“The Vigilance investigation was politically motivated and aimed at weakening KIIFB, which funds infrastructure projects, as the exchequer lacks sufficient funds for large-scale development after meeting salary and pension obligations,” he said.

Mr. Jayarajan warned that the probe could jeopardize several proposed projects in Kannur, including a 1,000-acre industrial park near Kannur International Airport, an education center and bridges and roads. He asked how the government intended to fund the remaining projects, noting that the public works department alone had liabilities of around ₹2,500 crore.

He asked for clarification on alternative financing mechanisms and the future of projects that have already been approved and awarded to contractors. He alleged that several Congress leaders were given compensation for the acquired land. He called on congressional officials to clarify their position on the acquisition and say whether they would return compensation if they believe the process was improper.

Mr. Jayarajan argued that the KIIFB inquiry was not just a political dispute between LDF and UDF but an issue related to the development of Kerala. He urged the government to reconsider its decision and support ongoing and proposed infrastructure projects.

Published – 01 Nov 2026 20:30 IST