In a significant show of unity, Chief Ministers Pinarayi Vijayan of Kerala, Arvind Kejriwal of Delhi, and Bhagwant Mann of Punjab led a protest at Delhi‘s Jantar Mantar on Thursday. The demonstration aimed to address the alleged discrimination in federal funds distribution by the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre. The protest comes amidst similar accusations from neighboring states Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, amplifying the discontent among Opposition-ruled states.
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Pinarayi Vijayan: Historic Protest Against Discrimination
Addressing a press meet before the protest, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized the historical significance of the demonstration. He highlighted the need for the protest, stating it is essential for Kerala’s survival and advancement. Vijayan called upon ministers, legislators, and parliamentarians from the state to actively participate, framing the struggle as unprecedented but necessary.
Opposition States Unite
The protest, organized by the Kerala government, turned into a gathering of Opposition-led states, with CMs Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann joining forces. Leaders from various political parties, including Sitaram Yechury, D. Raja, Farooq Abdullah, Kapil Sibal, and Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, participated, reflecting the diverse support for the cause. The event saw the active involvement of members from the INDIA bloc, a coalition formed to challenge PM Modi and the BJP in the upcoming elections.
Allegations of Federalism Erosion
In his inaugural address, CM Vijayan emphasized the importance of federalism and how its erosion would affect all states. He rejected claims of a north-south divide, describing the protest as a democratic stance against the undermining of the federal structure and discrimination against states. The situation has prompted states to come together in a collective effort to demand their rightful allocations and resist politically motivated actions.
Kejriwal’s Critique and Opposition Concerns
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal echoed the sentiments, stating that the states had to resort to protests to demand their rights. He accused the Centre of using Governors and Lieutenant Governors to create impediments for Opposition-ruled governments. Kejriwal criticized the arrests of Opposition leaders, labeling it as a tactic to silence dissent. He called upon PM Modi to explain the alleged attacks on federal rights and questioned whether the states were considered enemies.
Punjab’s Stand and BJP’s Response
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann highlighted that Punjab, too, faced denial of shares of revenues by the Centre. He criticized the BJP for communalizing the country and asserted that Punjab needed no lessons on patriotism from the Sangh Parivar. The BJP, including PM Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, vehemently rejected the allegations made by the southern states, emphasizing their commitment to fair fund distribution.
Unity Beyond Parties
The protest received support from various Opposition parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party, CPI(M), Congress, DMK, RJD, National Conference, JMM, and NCP. The collective demonstration aimed to amplify the need for balance in Centre-State relations and address concerns about the alleged degradation of the Union of States into an undemocratic ‘Union over States.’
Union Minister’s Critique
Union Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, criticized the Kerala government’s protests, accusing it of finding a scapegoat in the Centre ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. He questioned the timing of the protest, suggesting opportunism from the LDF government, which has been in power for the last eight years. Muraleedharan dismissed the claims, attributing them to the government realizing it fell short of ambitious targets set during the last Assembly elections.
Conclusion
The protest led by Chief Ministers from Opposition-led states marks a significant moment in Indian politics. The collective voice against alleged discrimination in federal funds distribution underscores the importance of states standing together to safeguard their rights. As the political landscape heats up in the run-up to the elections, the unity displayed by these states sends a strong message about the need for a fair and balanced federal structure in the country.
