Union Minister Suggests Pinarayi Vijayan Join NDA for Major Kerala Package
Ramdas Athawale claims Centre will shower funds on Kerala if CPI(M) aligns with BJP-led alliance.
Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale on Wednesday sparked controversy by suggesting that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan should join the BJP-led NDA to secure substantial central funding for the state. Speaking to reporters, Athawale described such a move as “revolutionary” and claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would provide Kerala with a “big package” for development if Vijayan switches sides. He argued that more money would flow to the state under NDA alignment and even predicted that Vijayan could retain the Chief Minister post after winning assembly elections with NDA support.
Athawale, who heads the Republican Party of India (A) and is part of the NDA, extended the invitation to the CPI(M) and CPI as well. He questioned why Communist leaders could not join the alliance when socialist parties have done so, emphasizing that such a step would benefit Kerala’s progress through increased central assistance.
The remarks drew sharp condemnation from the ruling CPI(M) in Kerala. State secretary MV Govindan slammed Athawale’s statement as “undemocratic and unconstitutional,” accusing it of undermining India’s federal structure. Govindan alleged that Kerala has been denied around ₹2 lakh crore in entitled central funds over the past five years. He described the comments as an assault on constitutional values and part of efforts to subordinate institutions to the RSS, warning of a drift toward “autocracy-related neo-fascism.” He also mocked Athawale’s understanding of Kerala politics, asserting that such a shift is unimaginable in the state.
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The exchange highlights ongoing political tensions between the Centre and the Left-ruled Kerala government, particularly over financial devolution and cooperative federalism. Athawale’s public overture comes amid speculation about pre-poll alignments ahead of future assembly elections in the state.
Also Read: Pinarayi Vijayan Leads Satyagraha Against Centre’s Financial Squeeze on Kerala
