CM Vijayan appeals for unity among Kerala MPs ahead of Parliament session

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday appealed to the state’s Members of Parliament to rise above party lines and work together during the forthcoming session of Parliament to take up matters vital to Kerala.

Speaking at an online meeting with MPs from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, he said joint action was essential to ensure that Kerala received what was rightfully due from the Union government, with particular attention to concerns related to financial policies, environmental approvals, infrastructure support and key development initiatives.

He cautioned that partisan politics should not weaken Kerala’s position in Parliament, especially on matters such as central fund allocation, GST compensation, and support for key welfare schemes.

Vijayan flagged several concerns requiring immediate attention from Kerala’s parliamentarians, including the Centre’s restrictions on the state’s borrowing limits, delays in central allocations for national highway projects, the slow progress on rail development -- particularly the Sabari rail line -- and issues affecting social welfare pension disbursement, IANS reported.

He urged MPs to strongly oppose policy measures that “undermine the federal spirit and the autonomy of states.”

The Chief Minister also reiterated the need to push Kerala’s long-pending demand for central assistance to rebuild flood-damaged infrastructure, and to secure timely approvals for environmental and coastal protection projects, including those crucial for climate resilience.

Calling Parliament a vital platform for articulating Kerala’s development priorities, Vijayan appealed for a coordinated strategy cutting across party lines.

The meeting also discussed the need to counter “misleading narratives” about Kerala’s fiscal health and highlight the state’s achievements in healthcare, education and social justice.

Several MPs from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha participated in the virtual consultation.

Kerala has 20 Lok Sabha MPs, including the lone BJP representative, Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi, and 10 Rajya Sabha members, among them a nominated member and senior BJP leader C. Sadanandan.

Vijayan is expected to hold a follow-up strategy session once the Parliament session begins.