Union Budget ignores Kerala, CPI(M) to observe Feb 3 as 'Black Day'
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): The ruling CPI(M) on Monday called for observing February 3 as a 'Black Day' across Kerala, protesting what it described as the Centre's "severe neglect" of the state in the Union Budget.
In a press statement, the party state secretariat said the Budget was presented as if Kerala did not exist on the map of India.
It pointed out that Kerala had placed 29 demands before Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ahead of the Budget, but none of them were accepted.
The state did not receive a single long-pending project, the CPI(M) said.
The party criticised the Centre for once again ignoring Kerala's demand for an AIIMS, and for excluding the state from the seven high-speed rail corridors announced for railway development.
It also said no special package was approved for the Vizhinjam port, while Kerala was denied an Ayurveda AIIMS despite being known as the cradle of Ayurveda.
The state was also left out of inland water transport projects.
The CPI(M) said the Budget failed to protect traditional industries in Kerala and did not include the state in announcements on universities and townships.
There was no provision for a rubber price stabilisation fund, nor any mention of the proposed railway coach factory, the party said.
It also accused the Centre of ignoring NRI welfare and scheme workers, including ASHA workers.
The party alleged that the Budget favoured corporate interests, noting that corporate taxes were not increased and the alternate minimum tax for big companies was reduced.
It also criticised cuts in the employment guarantee scheme, saying it would badly affect Kerala.
"There has been no move to strengthen welfare schemes. By completely neglecting the poor, the Budget has delivered yet another blow to Kerala," the CPI(M) said.
As part of the protest, the party said black flags would be hoisted at all booths on February 3 and urged people to participate in demonstrations against what it called an anti-people Budget.
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US rules out use of nuclear weapons against Iran
Washington DC: The White House has reportedly ruled out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran, even as uncertainty continues over ongoing peace negotiations and a deadline set by US President Donald Trump approaches.
Issues bout a possible escalation had increased after US Vice President JD Vance said that the United States has “tools in our toolkit that we so far haven’t decided to use” in dealing with Iran.
His remarks came amid rising tensions and ahead of a deadline linked to peace efforts.
The situation has attracted attention as Trump warned Iran that its “whole civilization will die tonight tonight” if an agreement is not reached by Tuesday at 8 pm.
This statement led to speculation about the possibility of extreme military measures, including a nuclear strike.
Following Vance’s comments, the White House issued a clarification distancing itself from such interpretations. In a post on X, it said, "Literally nothing @VP said here 'implies' this, you absolute buffoons." In a later statement, it added that “only the president knows” what action will be taken regarding Iran.
Literally nothing @VP said here "implies" this, you absolute buffoons https://t.co/7JU3wXMaWX
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 7, 2026
