Kerala CM to protest against centre at Jantar Mantar on Feb 8

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, is set to lead a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on February 8.

The demonstration aims to express concerns regarding the alleged financial neglect faced by Kerala and other non-BJP-ruled states at the hands of the Central government.

CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan emphasised that the protest goes beyond Kerala's specific issues, representing a broader worry shared by other non-BJP states.

Chief Minister Vijayan has reached out to all non-BJP Chief Ministers, seeking their support for the protest. His communication highlights apprehensions about encroachments on state autonomy and financial constraints imposed by the Centre, as stated by CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan.

MV Govindan also expressed concerns about the BJP's provocative promotion of the Hindutva agenda, noting the communalistic approach in politicising beliefs. He criticised the BJP's utilisation of the Ram Temple as a political tool before the Lok Sabha elections, emphasising the need to respect diverse beliefs.

"The right secular view is that all individuals should get the right to believe and propagate their religion. Instead of that building a temple is used as a political tool in today's scenario," he added.

Shankaracharyas have reportedly opposed the move, stating that the incomplete Ram temple inauguration serves as an election tool to appease believers, despite contradicting their beliefs. The CPI(M) state secretary stressed their stance of not opposing anyone's beliefs while asserting the rejection of using faith for political gains.