Thiruvananthapuram: The ruling LDF on Tuesday decided to intensify its campaign against the Centre's vindictive attitude towards Kerala.
Hundreds of workers of the LDF took out a march to Raj Bhavan and in district headquarters across the state to register their protest against the Modi government's failure to include Kerala projects in the union budget.
The LDF leadership alleged that the BJP government which came to power at the Centre for the second time has adopted anti-Kerala attitude owing to political reasons. “The Centre is treating Kerala as if it is not part of India which was also amply evident from this year’s budget,” said a leader.
The long-pending demands of the state were not addressed in the budget. The promise to set up All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) was made during UPA Government’s tenure. Similarly, a railway medical college was proposed for the state. Both these projects have not seen the light of the day yet.
CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan who inaugurated the march said the rail coach factory was also in limbo. The VS Achuthanandan government had acquired land for the project. However, the Centre is yet to set aside money for the project. Similarly, the wagon factory announced for Cherthala is in the backburner.
The LDF leaders said rubber sector was in deep crisis. While the state government was granting a subsidy of Rs 150 for procuring a kg of rubber, the Centre is not giving even a penny to support the rubber farmers. Moreover, the import duties have been reduced to facilitate rubber from foreign countries.
The LDF government soon after coming to power had taken steps to increase paddy cultivation. While the Centre gives Rs 2340 per quintal for procurement of paddy, the state government is giving Rs 2660, they said.
LDF leaders said the industries sector was also in grave crisis. Most central PSUs in the state are on the verge of closure. The centre is smothering them by not releasing any funds. The government has put up FACT and Cochin Shipyard for sale, they alleged.
“The Centre has decided to privatise six airports including Thiruvana-nthapuram. The state government has urged the Centre to hand over the airport to the state for operations. However, the Centre wants to hand over the airport to Adani,” said Mr Kodiyeri.
The LDF leaders said the neglect of the state was not acceptable. The front decided to mobilise people to campaign against the Centre’s attitude.
