Athawale said the move would be revolutionary and could bring more funds for the development of Kerala.
File Photo: IANS
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Wednesday suggested Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) so that more funds would come to the state from the Centre.
Athawale said the move would be revolutionary and could bring more funds for the development of Kerala.
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Addressing a press conference in Kannur, Athawale said, “I appeal to the CPM leader and Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, to join the NDA, as it would be a revolutionary decision. If he and the CPM join the NDA, more money will come to Kerala, which will lead to the development of the state.”
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Athawale’s suggestion came amid continuing strain between the state and the Centre over fund allocation.
Responding to Athawale’s suggestion, Kerala CPM Secretary M V Govindan said he (Athawale) made such a suggestion as he didn’t know Kerala. The Union minister’s statement that one must be a part of the NDA to get money from the Centre is unconstitutional.
The CPM state secretary added that it is against democratic values and the principles of federal systems.
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