Published Feb 04, 2026 | 11:39 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 04, 2026 | 11:39 AM
Kerala Legislative Assembly, Thiruvananthapuram. (Creative Commons)
Synopsis: The Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution strongly protesting what it termed as the “continued neglect and discriminatory approach” of the Union government towards the state. The resolution asserted that a country can stand tall in the global community only when all its states are secure, developed and prosperous, and warned that weakening states amounts to weakening the nation itself.
The Kerala Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, 4 February, unanimously passed a resolution strongly protesting what it termed as the “continued neglect and discriminatory approach” of the Union government towards the state.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan presented the resolution, accusing the Union government of undermining constitutional federal principles and weakening Kerala’s development prospects through financial and policy decisions.
The resolution asserted that a country can stand tall in the global community only when all its states are secure, developed and prosperous, and warned that weakening states amounts to weakening the nation itself.
It said the Union government’s refusal to consider several long-pending and reasonable demands of Kerala had disappointed the entire Kerala society and raised doubts about the spirit of cooperative federalism and democracy.
Highlighting sector-wise concerns, the Assembly reiterated Kerala’s decades-long demand for an All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), noting that land acquisition and preparatory steps had already been completed by the state, but no provision was made in the Union Budget 2026-27.
It also criticised cuts to the Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Scheme (now VB-G RAM G), stating that the reduction in Central assistance and the sharp drop in national allocation in the 2026–27 Budget would severely hit Kerala, which is a frontrunner in implementing the scheme.
The resolution flagged poor railway development, including the 13-hour travel time between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod, denial of permission for a coach factory, and lack of approval for additional railway lines.
It also accused the Union government of discriminatory treatment in sanctioning Viability Gap Funding for the Vizhinjam Port as a repayable amount, unlike grants given to other states.
The Assembly further condemned the Union government’s response to natural disasters in Wayanad, cuts in borrowing limits, discontinuation of Revenue Deficit Grants by the 16th Finance Commission, withholding of IGST dues, and additional financial burdens imposed on Kerala for national highway land acquisition.
Calling these actions vindictive, the House demanded urgent correction of the Centre’s approach and appealed for justice, balanced development and true cooperative federalism, reflecting a sentiment that transcends political divisions in Kerala.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Dileep V Kumar.)
