THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan requested the MPs from the state to adopt a unanimous opinion in the Parliament against Uniform Civil Code. The Chief Minister made this demand in a meeting of MPs convened ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament starting on July 20.

"Such announcements, which are made without properly gathering the opinions of people belonging to various castes and religions of the country, have raised great concern among religious minorities. Taking decisions in haste without due discussion on personal rules is not at all conducive to democratic governance. While trustworthiness and equal participation of all sections are essential for the unity and integrity of the country, the Uniform Civil Code should not become a measure aimed at polarization by instilling fear and apprehension in the minds of some minority sections. This opinion is shared by all who believe in secular democratic values. Kerala is a model state for the entire country in terms of secularism. Members of Parliament representing the various constituencies of the state should adopt a unanimous opinion in this regard," the CM said.

"The Union Finance Ministry should refrain from slashing Kerala's borrowing limit. The Centre's decision to slash the state's borrowing limit is putting a financial strain on the state's development expenditure and infrastructure development programs. MPs should raise their voice for that," the CM added.

The GST Council has not yet taken any favorable decisions regarding the extension of the GST compensation period. The MPs said that they will stand together to get the state's share in these matters. The meeting was attended by ministers, MPs, and secretaries of various departments.