Union Minister Prakash Javadekar Blames Congress-CPI(M) For Kerala’s 'Industrial Backwardness'

He alleged that red tape and Left-wing labour militancy made investors desperate in the state.

Union Minister Prakash Javdekar blamed Congress-led UDF and CPI(M)-led LDF for the state's industrial backwardness. He also said that the callous approach of the traditional fronts also contributed to the backwardness. He alleged that red tape and Left-wing labour militancy made investors desperate in the state.

According to ANI, Javdekar said, "Kerala accounts for a mere six percent of the foreign direct investment of the country. The state ranks 28th in the ease of business category. Youth are all going out of the state to seek jobs. This is a serious issue that needs to be discussed.”

Accusing the Left government of failing to take corrective steps, he alleged that even a few people who started small ventures came under attack in the state.

The Union Minister asked who would invest in Kerala when there was such an attitude.

He said, "KITEX opened in Telangana. When BMW decided to consider opening here, they were greeted with a shutdown. Likewise, 90,000 jobs were envisaged at the Kochi IT park. We only got 3,000. Companies like Hindustan Unilever, Ceat Tyres have invested in other states. It’s the Kerala youth who is working in all these factories.” 

He alleged that there was animosity towards private sector in the state. The Union Minister listed companies that rejected an investment offer in the state due to the "hostile investment climate".

Javadar said that if this continues there would be more number of people who would be going out of the state.

Till now, Kerala has been ruled either by CPI(M) or Congress. The BJP does not have any legislator in 140-member Assembly. The BJP had one legislator in 2016-21. Prakash Javdekar said that educated and skilled youth left the state due to a lack of employment opportunities. He also said that migration would double from 30,00,000 to 60,00,000 in the next 7 years.