Kerala Minister Saji Cherian Commends Tamil Nadu's Advancement, Raises Alarm Over Slow Growth in His Own State

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 4 (NationPress) Two-time CPI-M legislator and state Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian, known for his unpretentious personality and hands-on approach with the community, has lauded Tamil Nadu's development while raising concerns about Kerala’s relatively slow progress.

Cherian, often seen engaging with locals or enjoying a cup of tea at roadside stalls, was observed on Wednesday morning at a quaint eatery across from his official residence, the Manmohan Bungalow in the state capital. While awaiting his breakfast of idli sambhar, customers notified the restaurant staff of his ministerial position.

“Had this been in Tamil Nadu, the locals would have reacted differently to such a delay,” remarked a bystander.

Post meal, Cherian mingled with a group of early risers relishing their tea and shared his insights with IANS. “I hold Tamil Nadu in high esteem, particularly for its commitment to development. Politics exists there too, but when it comes to advancement, traditional rivals and the populace unite for the state’s welfare. It’s astounding to witness the progress they have achieved over the past two decades,” he stated.

Cherian also commended Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, recounting a visit to invite him to a Kerala government event. “I was astonished to see the modest home where he lives with his wife. It’s situated in a narrow lane within a residential neighborhood, with minimal security and no extravagance,” he noted.

The minister later lamented Kerala’s failure to match Tamil Nadu’s developmental pace. “Gone are the days when Tamil Nadu workers migrated to Kerala. Now, it’s the opposite. Tamil Nadu’s industrial expansion is remarkable, and it’s regrettable that we haven’t kept up,” he remarked.

When questioned about Kerala's struggle to progress similarly, Cherian attributed it to the prevalence of controversies and a cautious political environment. “Here, a controversy can ignite at any moment, making ministers overly cautious. The media in Tamil Nadu also operates differently compared to ours,” he explained.

After speaking for about 20 minutes, Cherian strolled across the road and slowly made his way to his official residence, with very few individuals recognizing him, as he doesn’t carry the usual entourage seen with most ministers.

Cherian’s relatable nature and straightforward communication style have made him popular with the public but have also led him into controversies. In 2022, he resigned from his ministerial role following remarks about the Constitution that were considered contentious. Although reinstated after a local court cleared him, the issue resurfaced recently, with the Kerala High Court mandating a renewed Crime Branch investigation.