Ramdas Athawale Invites Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan to Join NDA, Says State Would Receive More Central Funds

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Wednesday stirred a political debate by inviting Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), claiming that such a move would ensure greater financial assistance from the Centre for the state.

Addressing the media, Athawale said that if Vijayan became part of the NDA, it would be a “revolutionary step” in Indian politics and would significantly benefit Kerala. “If Pinarayi Vijayan joins the NDA, more funds will definitely come to Kerala. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also give the state a big development package,” the Union Minister asserted, adding that the additional funds could be effectively used for the state’s development.

CPM Strongly Objects

Athawale’s remarks, however, drew sharp criticism from the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Kerala. CPM state secretary M.V. Govindan termed the comments “undemocratic and unconstitutional” and accused the Centre of undermining India’s federal structure.

Govindan claimed that Kerala had been denied nearly ₹2 lakh crore over the past five years, which the state was rightfully entitled to receive. “Such statements go against constitutional principles and values. They amount to an attack on federalism,” he said.

Allegations of RSS Influence

Taking his criticism further, Govindan alleged that Athawale’s remarks reflected the influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and were part of a broader attempt to bring constitutional institutions under central control. He described such comments as indicative of a drift towards authoritarianism and “neo-fascist tendencies.”

Reacting to Athawale’s suggestion that Vijayan could retain power by joining the NDA, Govindan remarked that the statement exposed the Union Minister’s “poor understanding of Kerala’s political landscape.”

Athawale Defends His Stand

Defending his remarks, Athawale, who is also the president of the Maharashtra-based Republican Party of India (Athawale), said that ideological differences should not prevent cooperation. He went on to suggest that even the CPM and the Communist Party of India should consider joining the NDA.

“If socialist leaders can be part of the NDA, why can’t communist leaders?” Athawale asked, reiterating that political alignment with the Centre could help states secure better development opportunities.

The exchange has added fresh fuel to the ongoing debate over Centre-state relations, federalism, and the role of political alliances in the distribution of central funds.