Union Minister Athawale Urges Kerala CM to Join NDA for Increased Central Funds

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale urged Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the CPI(M) to join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), claiming it would bring more central funds and development to Kerala ahead of state elections. Athawale described this as a "revolutionary" move that could help Vijayan retain power. The CPI(M) strongly rejected the suggestion, with state secretary M V Govindan calling it undemocratic, unconstitutional, and an attack on India's federal principles amid ongoing disputes over fund allocations between Kerala and the Centre.