THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Returning from UAE after a five-day visit aimed at resource mobilisation for Rebuild Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has unleashed a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the discriminatory approach towards Kerala.
Referring to the Centre denying clearance for state ministers' foreign trip to collect funds for state's rebuilding, Pinarayi flayed the Centre's negative approach towards Kerala's progress. "During the meeting with the PM, he had taken a favourable stance towards ministers going abroad. Till Tuesday night, we were hopeful that the Centre would give clearance. Didn't go abroad to beg as alleged by the BJP leaders. When the state is faced with a calamity, we were trying to address the same with the help of NRKs," he said.
The chief minister alleged that the Centre has been taking a discriminatory approach towards Kerala. "Gujrat underwent one of the biggest natural calamities when Narendra Modi was the chief minister. That time the state had accepted from help from other countries also. As per the guidelines, we cannot seek support from any countries. But if anyone comes forward on their own, that can be accepted. So, why only Kerala cannot accept foreign support," he asked.
Pinarayi also attacked the BJP leaders in the state for their negative approach. "The BJP leaders are of the view that there's no need to seek funds from anyone. Also they say the Centre need not support the state. There's nothing suprising about their stance, as they have played no role in the state's progress at any point of time. Going by the socio-political history of Kerala, it's evident that they have no role in state's development. At no point of time, they have made any social intervention that would help Kerala," he said adding that the BJP has been taking an approach that would destroy Kerala.
UAE Visit Major Success; Funds to the tune of more than Rs 700 crore expected
The chief minister said his UAE visit to find resources for rebuilding Kerala was a major success. The state expects to garner more funds than earlier promised by the UAE administration - Rs 700 crore. Major charitable humanitarian foundations have offered support to the state. Also many investors have come forward expressing their interest to invest in various initiatives the state.