Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan described Governor Rajendra Arlekar's address to the 16th State Legislative Assembly as a 'bold roadmap for a new era of Keralam' on Friday.
He highlighted that the address combined infrastructure development with welfare initiatives.
Satheesan stated on X, “The Governor’s Address lays out a bold roadmap for a new era of #Keralam — blending visionary infrastructure projects with people-centric social sector initiatives.”
He further added, “From strengthening connectivity and modern development to safeguarding welfare and inclusivity, the policy direction reflects a balanced and progressive approach towards building a stronger, future-ready Keralam.”
In contrast, CPI(M) Keralam criticised the address for failing to challenge the Union government on significant issues. The party said in a post on X that “the Governor’s policy address presented in the Assembly today contains no decisive proposals that can advance Keralam’s future, comprehensive development, or people’s welfare.”
CPI(M) accused the speech of “avoiding raising the issues that must be addressed regarding the Union government and maintains silence on matters that the state is duty-bound to demand as its rightful entitlement” due to “political subservience to the BJP.” The party noted the absence of any mention of “the Union government’s policies that are striking at the very roots of fiscal federalism” and said the address “remains silent on the attempt to dismantle MGNREGA through the proposed VBG RAM G Act.”
The CPI(M) also pointed out that the address did not consider the potential impact of the West Asian war on Kerala or specify policy measures to address its consequences. While acknowledging that the increase in Keralam’s share recommended by the 16th Finance Commission was a result of efforts by previous LDF governments, CPI(M) indicated it would refrain from “excessively sharp criticism” as the government is still in its early stages. “The approach being adopted is to closely observe the functioning and direction of the government during this initial period,” it said.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar delivered the first policy address of the 16th State Legislative Assembly on Friday, marking the inaugural policy declaration of the United Democratic Front (UDF) government led by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. The address notably refrained from criticising the Central government, representing a departure from previous political narratives.
The Congress-led UDF assumed power in Keralam on Monday after a ten-year gap. The ceremony to swear in 61-year-old Satheesan as the state’s 13th Chief Minister was held at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.