Athawale Invites Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan to Join NDA, Sparks Political Row

Kannur:
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale has invited Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), claiming that such a move would ensure greater financial assistance for the state from the Centre. Athawale’s remarks have triggered sharp reactions from the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] in Kerala.

Addressing reporters, Athawale said that if Vijayan were to become part of the NDA, it would be a “revolutionary step” in Kerala’s politics. He asserted that the state would receive more central funds, which could be utilised for development projects. Athawale further claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would sanction a “big package” for Kerala if the state leadership aligned with the NDA.

The statement drew strong criticism from CPI(M). Party state secretary M.V. Govindan described Athawale’s comments as “undemocratic and unconstitutional,” alleging that Kerala had been denied nearly ₹2 lakh crore over the past five years, despite being entitled to those funds. Govindan said such remarks undermine constitutional principles and amount to an attack on India’s federal structure.

Taking his criticism further, Govindan alleged that Athawale’s statement reflected the growing influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its attempts to bring constitutional institutions under its control. He warned that such comments signal a drift towards authoritarianism and neo-fascism.

Reacting to Athawale’s suggestion that Vijayan could win the upcoming Assembly elections and return as Chief Minister if he joined the NDA, Govindan remarked that the comment clearly exposed the Union Minister’s poor understanding of Kerala’s political realities.

Defending his stance, Athawale, who is also the president of the Maharashtra-based Republican Party of India (Athawale), said that even the CPI(M) and the Communist Party of India should consider joining the NDA. “If socialist leaders can join the NDA, why can’t communist leaders?” he asked.

Athawale’s remarks come at a politically sensitive time, with Kerala gearing up for Assembly elections, and have added fuel to the ongoing debate over Centre-state relations and federalism.