Athawale's Controversial Call: A BJP-NDA Invitation to Kerala's Chief Minister

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale invited Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan to join the BJP-led NDA, promising increased funding. This proposal drew criticism from Kerala's ruling CPI(M), which described it as undemocratic. The statement incited a heated political debate, highlighting tensions between state and central governments.

In a politically charged statement, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale invited Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to join the BJP-led NDA, suggesting that such a move could channel more central funds to the state. This invitation was met with strong criticism from the state's ruling CPI(M).

Athawale declared that aligning with the NDA would mark a revolutionary step and assured that more money would flow to Kerala, promising a 'big package' from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, this proposal has sparked controversy.

CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan labeled Athawale's remarks as both undemocratic and unconstitutional. He criticized them as an affront to India's federal system, suggesting they represent encroachments by the RSS on constitutional principles, and a move toward neo-fascism.

(With inputs from agencies.)