In a fresh political development ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Bandu Athawale reiterated his invitation to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) — claiming such a move could unlock greater central funding and development packages for the state. The call, made during a public event in Kannur, has sparked intense criticism from the state’s ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM).
Athawale described the potential shift as a “revolutionary decision” that would allow Kerala to receive “definitely more money” from the central government, pointing to funds that could support infrastructure, welfare schemes and overall development. He also suggested that joining the NDA might boost electoral prospects for Vijayan and the Left Democratic Front (LDF), hinting it could help them retain power in the coming polls. The Union minister even urged other left parties, like the CPI, to consider alliance with the NDA, questioning why socialist and communist leaders should be excluded if other parties can join.
However, CPM leaders swiftly condemned Athawale’s comments, with the party’s state secretary M. V. Govindan terming the invitation “undemocratic and unconstitutional”. Govindan and other left leaders pointed out that Kerala has been deprived of substantial central funds — reportedly amounting to nearly ₹2 lakh crore over the past five years — despite it being entitled to these resources, and accused the Union government of politicising fiscal support rather than addressing genuine funding gaps. They insisted that Kerala’s development should not be tied to political realignment.
The exchange highlights the growing political tensions in Kerala as major parties position themselves ahead of the elections, with the NDA’s offer adding a new dimension to debates over fiscal federalism, state rights and electoral strategy in the southern state.
News as reported
