Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Legislative Assembly on Tuesday adopted a strongly worded resolution accusing the Union government of sidelining Kerala in the Union Budget, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asserting that the Centre has repeatedly ignored the state’s long-standing and legitimate demands.
Moving the resolution, the Chief Minister said Kerala has, for years, placed reasonable development demands before the Centre, only to be met with continued indifference. CM alleged that such neglect strikes at the core of India’s democratic and federal principles.
Highlighting key issues, CM said Kerala has been seeking the establishment of an AIIMS for over two decades. The state government, CM noted, had already identified suitable land and initiated acquisition procedures, yet the Union government has failed to take any concrete steps.
The Chief Minister also underscored the urgent need for a high-speed rail corridor in the state, stating that Kerala requires such a project irrespective of the technical model adopted. Despite repeated representations, CM said, the state once again found no mention in the current Union Budget. CM further criticised the Centre for not even approving survey work for three to four additional railway lines on the Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru route.
Stressing the importance of balanced development, CM said national progress is possible only when all regions grow together, warning that neglecting one part of the country could weaken the nation as a whole. CM added that the Centre’s continued disregard has caused deep disappointment across Kerala.
The resolution was passed after the Opposition staged a walkout from the House following protests related to the Sabarimala gold smuggling issue.
