Is Kerala's CM Vijayan Using His Middle East Tour for Political Gain?
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Synopsis
In a striking accusation, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala claims Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is prioritizing political gains over genuine investment opportunities during his Middle East tour. With elections looming, this allegation raises questions about the government's true intentions and the impact of such trips on Kerala's economy.
Key Takeaways
- Chennithala accuses Vijayan of political motives
- Government’s financial expenditure questioned
- Upcoming elections influence foreign tours
- Limited economic benefits from past trips
- Public scrutiny on political use of state resources
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 18 (NationPress) CWC member and senior Congress legislator Ramesh Chennithala on Saturday criticized Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for allegedly utilizing his Middle East tour as a political maneuver in anticipation of the Assembly elections, instead of focusing on attracting investments for the state.
Chennithala stated that the government is depleting the state treasury to fund what he described as an election-driven foreign excursion.
With local body elections approaching in the coming weeks and assembly polls set for April/May, he remarked, “The Chief Minister’s interests lie not in the welfare of Kerala, but in advancing his party’s electoral agenda. This trip appears to be orchestrated with elections in focus.”
Vijayan arrived in Bahrain on Thursday and plans to visit the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman.
Notably, during this extensive Middle East journey, he will return to Kerala twice, concluding the trip on the 30th of this month.
Accompanying him is his close aide, State Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian.
Although Saudi Arabia was initially included in the itinerary, the Centre denied approval for that leg.
The Congress leader highlighted that from 2016 to 2025, Vijayan and his team have embarked on nearly 25 foreign trips, none of which, he asserted, has resulted in any significant economic advantage for the state.
“The government’s own agency — Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation — acknowledged in response to an RTI inquiry that not a single Memorandum of Understanding has been signed as a result of these international visits. No investments have been secured for Kerala from these trips,” he stated.
Chennithala accused the government of exploiting foreign visits to cultivate political support and rally expatriate communities ahead of the elections.
“What didn’t occur in nine years won’t change now. Even a child can discern the political intentions behind this tour,” he quipped.
Point of View
It is crucial to maintain an unbiased perspective while reporting. The allegations made by Chennithala highlight concerns about political motivations behind state-sponsored foreign tours. It is essential for public figures to prioritize the welfare of their constituents over electoral ambitions, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
NationPress
18/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of CM Vijayan's Middle East tour?
The stated purpose of CM Vijayan's Middle East tour is to seek investments for Kerala; however, it has been criticized as a political maneuver ahead of upcoming elections.
How many foreign trips has CM Vijayan undertaken?
From 2016 to 2025, CM Vijayan and his team have reportedly undertaken nearly 25 foreign trips.
What did the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation reveal?
The Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation admitted that not a single Memorandum of Understanding has been signed as a result of these foreign visits.
When are the local body elections in Kerala?
The local body elections in Kerala are scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.
Who is accompanying CM Vijayan on his tour?
State Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian is accompanying CM Vijayan on his Middle East tour.
