Kerala hopeful as CM holds talks with Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at Kerala House

NEW DELHI: Kerala is optimistic about the Chief Minister's efforts to resolve disputes with the Centre and achieve the state's demands through dialogue and negotiation. With the support of Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, the state government invited Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to the Kerala House, and she arrived for a breakfast meeting yesterday morning, which marked a breakthrough.

During the discussions, the Chief Minister systematically presented Kerala’s key demands, with the Governor offering full support and actively participating in the talks. Nirmala Sitharaman responded positively, assuring that the concerns would be considered sympathetically. Further discussions will continue at the official level.

Among the issues raised were the SilverLine project, Wayanad rehabilitation, Vizhinjam viability gap funding, borrowing limits, AIIMS, GST compensation, and the state’s financial crisis. However, the matter of ASHA workers was not addressed during the meeting. Kerala’s Delhi representative, Prof. K.V. Thomas, was also present.

Regarding Wayanad rehabilitation, the Chief Minister requested an extension beyond the March 31 deadline to utilize the allocated Rs 529.5 crore. He also announced that the foundation stone for the township would be laid on March 27. Responding to Kerala’s plea for full central support, Sitharaman assured that the request would be reviewed.

Following the meeting, Governor Arlekar’s gesture of folding his hands and flashing a victory sign to the media drew attention. The state government later clarified in a press release that the Union Minister’s visit was informal.

Litigation and protests did not help

• The state government’s shift towards a reconciliatory approach stems from the realization that legal battles in the Supreme Court and protests against the Centre were ineffective in securing Kerala’s demands.
• With state assembly elections scheduled for next year, there is concern that constantly blaming the Centre for all issues could backfire. Since the arrival of the new Governor, the state government has been cautious in fostering friendly relations, and the Governor reciprocated, which was effectively utilized.

Traditional Kerala cuisine
Amid the busy schedule of the Parliament’s Budget Session, Nirmala Sitharaman arrived at Kerala House at around 9 AM yesterday. She was served a traditional Kerala breakfast, which included puttu, appam, idli, dosa, chutney, sambar, uzhunnu vada, and steamed bananas. The Finance Minister spent about 50 minutes before leaving.