Thiruvananthapuram,12 Jan (H.S.):Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will on Monday lead a major Left Democratic Front (LDF) protest in the state capital against what the front describes as the Union government’s economic discrimination and sustained neglect of Kerala. The day-long satyagraha will be held at the Palayam Martyrs’ Column (Raktha Sakshi Mandapam) and will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister.
Ministers, MLAs, MPs and senior LDF leaders will take part in the protest, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A large mobilisation of people’s organisations affiliated with the LDF is also expected, with several mass organisations reaching the venue in procession to express solidarity with the agitation.
The LDF has described the protest as a continuation of the struggle launched by the Chief Minister in New Delhi in 2024, when Kerala raised its objections to what it termed unfair and restrictive financial policies adopted by the Centre. According to Vijayan, Monday’s satyagraha marks the opening of a decisive phase in the state’s resistance against these policies.
In a statement issued ahead of the protest, the Chief Minister alleged that the Union government was imposing an economic blockade that threatens to push Kerala’s development backwards. He said the Centre’s actions were intended to suffocate both the state government and the people, and had already sparked widespread public anger across Kerala.
The Chief Minister said the financial constraints enforced by the Centre were aimed at disrupting the state’s development trajectory and weakening a government that has earned people’s trust through welfare-oriented governance. He pointed out that several key initiatives were being affected, including women’s safety programmes, the ‘Connect to Work’ scholarship scheme, and the regular distribution of social security pensions.
Vijayan asserted that Kerala would firmly resist any attempt to obstruct its welfare model and constitutional rights. He said elected representatives, along with the people of the state, would unite in the struggle against policies that undermine federal principles and deny states their rightful financial share.
Reiterating the LDF government’s commitment to inclusive and people-centric development, the Chief Minister said the administration remained determined to create conditions that allow every citizen to live with dignity and security. He emphasised that the satyagraha was not merely a political demonstration, but a collective assertion of Kerala’s demand for justice, fairness and financial autonomy. According to the LDF, the protest reflects the state’s resolve to defend its development gains and protect welfare programmes from continued central neglect and economic pressure.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
