Kerala chief minister gives PM Modi’s COVID-19 meeting a miss — won't change state's stance due to controversies

• Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan won’t be attending Prime Minister Narendera Modi’s COVID-19 video conference.
• He has sent state’s chief secretary, Tom Jose, in his stead with a list of written suggestions.
• In his weekly telecast, Vijayan criticized the central government for not doing enough to help the states.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan won’t be attending Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s COVID-19 video conference today, April 27. Instead, he’s sent in a list of written suggestions and will be sending the state’s chief secretary, Tom Jose, in his stead.

In his weekly telecast, Vijayan also stood by the actions of his administration categorically mentioning that they were the ‘right decisions’ to address the Coronavirus pandemic. He asserted that no changes will be made just because others are trying to stir up ‘unnecessary controversy’.

“On several occasions, these controversies are being raised with the encouragement of the media. The government will not succumb to such controversies or change its stand,” he said.

Vijayan also criticized the central government for not extending enough support to the states to help tide them through the current health crisis. He recommended that the centre should be extending rehabilitation packages to the sates to help them protect their institutions and industries establishments.

Kerala turned the tables on Coronavirus
Kerala has gone from being one of the worst-hit Coronavirus states in India to successfully flattening the curve. After hitting its peak on April 6 with 266 active cases, the number has consistently fallen. Currently, Kerala only has 116 active cases.

It has a recovery rate of over 73% as 342 of the 468 confirmed cases have since recovered from the disease. The toll was stopped in its tracks at 3 culminating in a mortality rate of less than 1%.

Kasargod, which was the worst-hit district at one point, now only 15 active cases. However, the hotspot crown is now held by its neighbouring district Kannur with a tally of 55 active cases.

Three districts — Wayanad, Thrissur, and Alappuzha — are free of Coronavirus altogether.

Kerala’s tourism industry will take the biggest hit from the Coronavirus pandemic, according to Vijayan. Even though its revival is key for the state to make a comeback once the lockdown is relaxed, it should also focus on efficiently utilising the expertise that it has available to increase the ease of doing business. Kerala should make itself into a safe haven for global entrepreneurs who are looking to make new investments or thinking of shifting their businesses to India.

“To facilitate such a shift which can change the face of Kerala, we too put an end to unnecessary disagreements and controversies, which will discourage investors,” said Vijayan.

See also:
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