Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan puts aside politics for Kerala’s development in meeting with Union Ministers 

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan appeared to put aside politics and focus on Kerala’s developmental priorities in his interactions with members of the Union Cabinet in New Delhi on Thursday (October 9, 2025).

Mr. Vijayan, who led a ministerial delegation consisting of Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal, Tourism and PWD Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, and a host of senior bureaucrats, had successive discussions with Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah; Union Minister for Transport and National Highways Nitin Gadkari; and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda. Mr Vijayan will likely meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

Mr. Vijayan stated that he had “submitted a memorandum outlining key proposals to strengthen Kerala’s internal security and development”. He also highlighted the need for enhanced coastal security, given the State’s 640-km-long coastline.

He also stated that Kerala needed to modernise its emergency services and forensic infrastructure urgently. Mr. Vijayan also requested Mr. Shah to remove Kannur and Wayanad from the Central government’s list of Left Wing Extremism-affected districts.

In his meeting with Mr. Nadda, the Chief Minister pressed Kerala’s case for a National Institute for Geriatric Care, given the State’s ageing population. He also reiterated Kerala’s long-standing demand for an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), given the State’s leadership in health care.

Mr. Vijayan and Mr. Riyas also interacted with Mr. Gadkari. They outlined the steps Kerala had taken to expedite road infrastructure work, including the delayed NH-66 project. He also sought the sanctioning of other vital corridors, including the proposed Thiruvananthapuram Ring Road.

Earlier, during an interaction with the media in New Delhi, Mr. Riyas pointedly sidestepped the question of whether the two Union Ministers from Kerala, Suresh Gopi and George Kurian, had made any meaningful contribution to the State’s parley with the Centre on various aspects, including tourism and NH-66 development, among other pressing issues.

“Politics has taken a backseat. Controversies might hit headlines. However, they are transient and have no bearing on the people of Kerala and their development, welfare, and economic aspirations.  We aim to take everybody on board to achieve the State’s development and welfare goals. Unnecessary controversies can be a hurdle to Kerala’s development. They are best avoided,” he stated.