In a significant declaration made on Kerala Piravi Day, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that Kerala is now free from extreme poverty, marking what he called a historic milestone in the state’s welfare journey. The announcement was made during a special assembly session on Saturday to commemorate the state’s formation day.
However, the claim immediately triggered a political storm. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) opposition dismissed the statement as “pure fraud” and staged a walkout from the session. Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan accused the Chief Minister of violating House procedures by making the declaration without adequate discussion or data to support it. “We cannot be part of this deception,” he said, leading UDF legislators out of the assembly amid slogans calling the claim “shameful.”
Defending the announcement, CM Vijayan said the declaration was based on scientific assessments carried out by the State Planning Board and the Social Justice Department. He credited various welfare programs, including the Life Mission housing scheme and Kudumbashree, for uplifting the poorest families. “Kerala has achieved this milestone through years of consistent efforts to ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.
According to government data, around 64,000 families were identified as living in extreme poverty in 2016. Through targeted housing, healthcare, and income-support schemes, officials claim all such families have now been rehabilitated. The state is expected to release a detailed report outlining the survey methodology soon.
Political analysts view the announcement as both a policy achievement and a strategic move ahead of upcoming elections. While supporters hailed the declaration as proof of Kerala’s progressive governance, critics called it premature, arguing that poverty cannot be declared eradicated without transparency and independent verification.
