Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has witnessed nine years of determined progress and inclusive development under the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Monday, marking the administration’s ninth anniversary. Addressing a press meet in the state capital, the Chief Minister reflected on what he called a decade of growth and social evolution, asserting that the government's reforms are shaping a "new Kerala."
The CM announced that a comprehensive report detailing the LDF government’s progress will be made public this Friday. While acknowledging that the Vizhinjam port project was initiated during the previous UDF regime, he underscored that the entire construction was successfully completed under LDF’s stewardship.
Vijayan took the opportunity to lambast the Central Government, accusing it of systematically throttling the state's finances by withholding legitimate dues and imposing economic restrictions. Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence in Kerala’s resilience and its ability to overcome fiscal roadblocks.
Highlighting major achievements, he cited the successful completion of previously stagnant infrastructure projects like the GAIL pipeline and the National Highways, which he claimed had been delayed due to the negligence of the earlier UDF government. He criticized the Centre for placing unprecedented conditions on highway development, forcing the state to bear land acquisition costs.
The CM spotlighted the state’s flagship LIFE Mission, through which over 4 lakh homes have been constructed, and emphasized the disbursement of social security pensions to around 60 lakh beneficiaries. He also pointed to transformational projects like Kochi Metro, Kannur Airport, and the Idamon-Kochi Power Highway, which have boosted connectivity, energy transmission, and economic momentum.
Vijayan stated that the government has ensured accountability by presenting yearly updates on its manifesto promises. He dismissed past criticisms that Kerala lacked development potential, noting that sceptics have now been proven wrong.
In terms of employment and land reform, the CM revealed that over 2.8 lakh candidates have secured appointments via the Public Service Commission since 2016, and 4 lakh land titles have been distributed during the LDF’s tenure—over 2.2 lakh of which were issued after 2021.
He also took a swipe at the UDF government’s record on welfare pensions, claiming it had left 18 months of arrears, while the LDF raised the pension from Rs 600 to Rs 1600. Lastly, Vijayan asserted that Kerala continues to record the lowest inflation rate in India, attributing this to effective government intervention and people-centric policies.
“Kerala is rising above the pandemic setbacks and Centre-imposed hurdles,” the Chief Minister concluded. “Our state is scripting a model of sustainable, inclusive progress that many thought was impossible.”