India
Kerala Chief Minister Satheesan Discusses Governance, Development Plans and Delimitation Concerns
Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan said that empathy is essential in governance and explained his vision for the state. He told The Indian Express that after five months in office he feels no pressure from being different from the previous two‑term regime or from rivals within his party, but he notes that people expect more because the government has kept communication lines open and has exposed the former government’s shortcomings. He said the UDF coalition is a model for the country, with ten parties acting as a single entity to deliver on promises.
Satheesan outlined a long‑term plan for Kerala that focuses on transforming the state into a port city by leveraging its two international sea ports, a container terminal, 18 mini ports and a 600‑km coastline. He highlighted the creation of a department for senior citizens, a bill guaranteeing their rights, and a “silver economy” that integrates seniors with youth in start‑ups. He also mentioned plans to make Kerala an aviation hub with four international airports, a global convention centre in Cochin, an aviation institute, pilot training, MRO and cargo facilities.
On fiscal matters, Satheesan said Kerala’s committed expenditure is 80 per cent of revenue, with debt exceeding 5 lakh crore. He explained that the government has avoided tax hikes and instead spent Rs 4,000 crore during Onam to stimulate demand, resulting in the largest GST share since GST was introduced in Kerala. He said the state needs more investment to improve the economy.
The chief minister spoke about the “southern alliance” initiative led by Andhra Pradesh’s chief minister, noting that coordination among southern states could improve bargaining power with the centre. He said Kerala’s share of tax devolution has fallen from the 10th to the 16th Finance Commission.
Satheesan denied that internal pressure groups within his party hinder governance, stating that projects are decided unanimously in the cabinet. He explained that police filed FIRs against student protesters only when roadblocks were erected and that the FIRs were later quashed.
He described his stance on secularism, saying that the Indian Union Muslim League is a secular partner and that Kerala’s elections reflect a secular model. He also reiterated his declaration of being a Nehruvian socialist, emphasising a balance between development and welfare.
Satheesan said he is a reader of many authors, including Ameer Shahul, Atul Gawande, Lisa Mosconi and Amitav Ghosh, and that books inform his policy decisions.
Regarding delimitation, he said he is not against the constitutional procedure but opposed to increasing seats without proper methodology, arguing that it could create discrimination against certain states and must be examined and scrutinised.