The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala protested against alleged discrimination by the central government against their state at Delhis Jantar Mantar on Thursday.The protest was led by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, which was also attended by state legislators, ministers, and parliamentarians. The legislators were observed waving banners that said Fight to protect Federalism and yelling anti-central government slogans.Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, national convenors of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), also participated in the demonstration at Jantar Mantar.Addressing the protestors at Jantar Mantar, CM Vijayan asserted that they are fighting to maintain balance in Centre-State relations.#WATCH | Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan in Delhi leads the Left Democratic Front (LDF) protest against the Centres alleged discrimination against KeralaWe have come together to register our strong protest and preserve the federal structure of India. Today, we are making the… pic.twitter.com/jcxijXCXrF— ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2024We have come together to register our strong protest and preserve the federal structure of India. Today, we are making the beginning of a reunited fight that would herald the dawn of ensuring equal treatment of the states. This fight will also strive to maintain balance in the Centre-State relation. 8th Feb is going to be a red letter day in the history of India,” CM Vijayan asserted.Today, we are at a historical juncture of the Indian republic. A democracy that was envisaged as a Union of States is slowly and steadily being crippled into an undemocratic Union over States. We are seeing its manifestations around the country, especially in opposition-ruled states, CM Vijayan added.Apart from Kerala CM, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal lashed out at center saying, ED is a new weapon now. Till now, only after a person was proven guilty, he/she used to be sent to jail. But now, they (BJP) just decided whom to send to jail, then think which case to impose on the person...Hemant Soren has been put in jail when the case has not even started...Tomorrow, they can put me, Vijayan ji, Stalin sahib, Siddaramaiah sahab in jail and topple the govt...#WATCH | Delhi CM & AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal at Kerala CM-led protest against Centre, says, ED is a new weapon now. Till now, only after a person was proven guilty, he/she used to be sent to jail. But now, they (BJP) just decided whom to send to jail, then think which case to… pic.twitter.com/n4m3mWlxbJ— ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2024Responding to the protest, Union Minister V Muraleedharan slammed the Kerala government for blaming the central government in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections.#WATCH | MoS MEA V Muraleedharan says, The Lok Sabha elections are approaching. The present government in Kerala has been there in power for the last 8 years. They had made tall promises when they fought the elections in 2016-2021 but now they have realised that they have… pic.twitter.com/9XUB8qty2k— ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2024
