In a hard-hitting interview in Kerala, Union Home Minister Amit Shah firmly rebutted allegations that the Modi government discriminates against southern states, stating that Kerala has received four times more financial assistance under the NDA regime compared to the UPA. Taking direct aim at Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Shah accused him of “lying to cling to power,” and declared that the BJP will emerge as a dominant force in the 2026 Assembly polls, in an exclusive conversation with the nationalist daily Janmabhumi.
“From 2004 to 2014, when the UPA was in power, Kerala received just Rs 46,300 crore as its share of taxes. But under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, in the 11 years from 2014 to 2024, that amount has tripled to Rs 1,57,017 crore,” Shah said. He further added that Kerala received Rs 25,630 crore in grants during the UPA regime, while under the NDA, it increased sixfold to Rs 1,56,214 crore.
“That means the total amount Kerala got during UPA rule was about Rs 72,000 crore. Under the Modi government, it became Rs 3.31 lakh crore. Isn’t that four times more?” Shah asked. “These are not vague statements, these are official figures. If Pinarayi Vijayan claims discrimination, why doesn’t he ask for these numbers to be published in full? Because they will expose his lies.”
Cooperative federalism, not favouritism
Shah emphasised that the Modi government’s developmental vision includes every state as part of ‘Team India’. “We follow the principle of cooperative federalism. There’s no question of discriminating against any state, north, south, east, or west. The development of southern states, including Kerala, is crucial for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India),” he said.
Highlighting institutional mechanisms created for dialogue with the states, Shah pointed to the Zonal Councils. “Under UPA, only 11 meetings of regional councils were held. In contrast, 29 meetings have taken place during the Modi government. UPA resolved 448 issues. We’ve solved 1,287 problems, a 140% increase. That’s real cooperative federalism,” he said.
Why hide the disaster relief numbers?
Refuting allegations about inadequate disaster assistance to Kerala, Shah clarified that the Centre had never reduced disaster relief. “In fact, Kerala received the highest amount between 2014–15 and 2023–24,” he said. “Till now, Rs 2,437.85 crore has been given to the state under the disaster relief head. Recently, Rs 1,066.80 crore was given to Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Kerala, and Uttarakhand for floods and landslides. In 2024 alone, Rs 8,000 crore has been distributed to 19 states,” he added.
“This government has revamped disaster response mechanisms, unlike the earlier UPA model. I think the question itself is outdated, it belongs to 11 years ago,” he said.
Vision for All: Schemes that touched every life
Amit Shah listed a string of central welfare schemes that have directly benefited Kerala’s people, rebutting opposition criticism that the BJP-led Centre ignored the state.
“Under PM Kisan, 39 lakh farmers received Rs 12,000 crore in financial assistance. Through Jal Jeevan Mission, drinking water has reached 39.68 lakh households. Under Ayushman Bharat, 83 lakh people are covered for health insurance,” he said.
He further noted that 1,500 Jan Aushadhi centres are operational in Kerala, and under Anna Yojana, 1.54 crore people received free food grains. The Ujjwala Yojana ensured LPG connections for 4 lakh families, and under the PM Awas Yojana, 1.76 lakh houses were sanctioned, including 34,000 in villages and 1.42 lakh in cities.
“Through Direct Benefit Transfers, Rs 63,300 crore has gone directly to people’s accounts in Kerala. We opened 66 lakh Jan Dhan accounts, and 58% of the beneficiaries are women. That’s why people call Narendra Modi the ‘brother of the poor,’” Shah said.
Kerala is tired of UDF-LDF corruption
Shah didn’t mince words about the political situation in Kerala, accusing both the Congress-led UDF and CPI(M)-led LDF of looting the state. “The people of Kerala are tired of being cheated by two corrupt fronts. The UDF and LDF take turns in looting the people. BJP is now emerging as a natural alternative,” he said.
He revealed that the BJP will contest in 21,000 seats in the upcoming local body elections, with an ambitious target of 25% vote share. “In 2026, we will make the NDA the main political force in Kerala. That is the only way to open up the true path of development,” Shah asserted.
Let the facts speak for themselves
Asked about frequent allegations from Kerala’s ruling front about central discrimination, Shah challenged the state leadership to engage with facts instead of rhetoric. “If there’s bias, why are they afraid to talk about numbers? Because these numbers will reveal how much attention Kerala has received from the Modi government, and how much Pinarayi Vijayan is lying to save his position,” he said.
In a parting shot, the Union Home Minister said, “There is no better strategy than what we’re already doing, targeted development, people-first governance, and accountability. That’s what the BJP believes in, and that’s what Kerala’s people are beginning to believe too.”
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