Bitter CM gives PM Modi a lesson on federalism

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A day after being given ‘cold shoulders’ by PM Narendra Modi, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan reminded the prime minister and the Union government about their responsibility to strengthen the federal structure of the country.
Conveying his displeasure over the manner in which Modi dealt with the all-party delegation from the state, Vijayan said the response from the PM was ‘disappointing’ and that it did not serve the interest of the state.
The delegation, which met the prime minister with demands ranging from increasing foodgrain quota under the PDS to more fund to deal with the recent flood calamity, didn’t get any solid assurance from the PM.
Modi did not heed to the demands for more foodgrain and construction of rail coach factory at Kanjikode while agreeing to assign departments concerned to consider the other demands. The PM asked a lot about the Vijayan’s recent US visit which did not go down well with the chief minister.
“For states to get stronger they need a strong Centre. Maintaining the relations between the Centre and states and the state and local bodies in a balanced manner is important for the survival of the federal structure of the country. A strong Centre, satisfied states and panchayats that become local governments are essential for building a strong foundation of federalism,” Vijayan wrote in an article about his Delhi visit, despatched to media on Friday.
“A relation based on mutual trust and cooperation should exist between the Centre and the state. We had sought an appointment with the PM on the basis of such a relationship,” he said.
Recalling the brief meeting with prime minister on Thursday, Vijayan said though the delegation from the state was ready to discuss several finer aspects of the issues raised, such an opportunity didn’t arise. He termed Modi’s response to the demand for Kanjikode rail coach factory as ‘surprising’.
“He took a stand that the project was announced during the Congress rule and there was no point in insisting for it now. He had forgotten the basic norm that an incumbent government is the continuation of the previous one,” said the chief minister .
According to Vijayan, the Centre’s role should be to assist the states use resources for their specific needs, instead of forcing all states to adopt ‘one size fits all’ programmes announced by the Centre.
“It is not at all federalist for a Centre to decide on how states should spend their share of money,” he said.
Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, who was also part of the all-party delegation, said Modi humiliated the people of Kerala.
“No PM in the history of the country has humiliated the state in such a manner. Members of all parties, including from Modi’s BJP, were there in the delegation that represented the people of Kerala. There was no need for including Kannanthanam in the delegation as he was part of the Union ministry before which the state made a representation,” Chennithala said here on Friday.