Mon Jan 12 09:22:59 UTC 2026: ### BJP Leader Accuses Kerala CM of Misgovernance Ahead of Elections

The Story:
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kerala State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, accusing them of misgovernance, fiscal mismanagement, and deliberately misleading the public as the state gears up for upcoming Assembly elections. At a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram on January 12, 2026, Chandrasekhar asserted that the Chief Minister’s criticisms of the Central government regarding Kerala’s financial struggles were an “admission of failure” after a decade in power.

Chandrasekhar challenged the LDF’s claims of inadequate central funding, stating that during the UPA government (2004-2014), Kerala received around ₹72,000 crore, while under the current NDA government (since 2014), the state has received over ₹3.2 lakh crore. He further alleged that the state has failed to properly utilize and account for Central funds, citing observations from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).

Key Points:

  • Rajeev Chandrasekhar (BJP) accused CM Pinarayi Vijayan (LDF) of misgovernance and misleading the public.
  • Chandrasekhar claims Kerala received over ₹3.2 lakh crore from the Centre since 2014, contrasting it with the ₹72,000 crore received during the UPA government (2004-2014).
  • He alleges that ₹16,000 crore worth of Central schemes are stalled due to non-compliance by the State government.
  • Kerala’s debt has reportedly risen from ₹1.4 lakh crore in 2016 to nearly ₹5 lakh crore.
  • Chandrasekhar challenges the Chief Minister to a public debate on Kerala’s economy.
  • He also criticized both the CPI(M) and Congress over the arrest of Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, alleging political motivation.

Critical Analysis:

The timing of these accusations, coupled with CM Vijayan’s public protest against central policies occurring on the same day, clearly indicates an escalation of political tensions in Kerala ahead of the Assembly elections. Chandrasekhar’s detailed financial figures and CAG citations are likely intended to directly counter the LDF’s narrative of being unfairly treated by the central government. The arrest of a Palakkad MLA, seized upon by Chandrasekhar, further fuels the perception of a politically charged atmosphere.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BJP is aggressively challenging the ruling LDF’s economic and governance record in Kerala.
  • Financial accusations and counter-accusations are becoming central to the pre-election narrative.
  • The timing suggests a coordinated political strategy to undermine the LDF’s credibility.
  • The focus on stalled central schemes and rising state debt seeks to portray the LDF as incompetent in managing state finances.

Impact Analysis:

The intense political clashes and financial accusations are likely to heavily influence public opinion as the Assembly elections approach. If the BJP succeeds in convincing voters that the LDF has mismanaged state finances, it could significantly impact the election outcome. This event sets the stage for a contentious and closely watched election cycle, where economic performance and governance records will be under intense scrutiny.

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