The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) has announced a statewide ‘Black Day’ in Kerala on Tuesday to protest the alleged neglect of the state in the Union Budget 2026-2027. Party workers will display black flags, organize demonstrations, and rally public discontent against what they perceive as a disregard for Kerala’s developmental requirements. Notably, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, known for discouraging black attire at public functions, will witness party members and citizens using black flags symbolically to voice their dissent.
Protesters in Kerala have faced restrictions for wearing black or carrying black umbrellas at events attended by Chief Minister Vijayan between 2022 and 2025, particularly during protests by Youth Congress and Kerala Students’ Union on various issues, including the gold smuggling case. Despite the past restrictions on black attire, opposition legislators were seen wearing black shirts in the state Assembly. The CPI-M, led by Chief Minister Vijayan, General Secretary M.A. Baby, and State Secretary M.V. Govindan, strongly criticized the Union Budget, accusing the Centre of sidelining Kerala.
The Union Budget has drawn sharp criticism for excluding key projects like AIIMS, high-speed railway corridors, and the Vizhinjam port development package, according to Chief Minister Vijayan. The CPI-M leaders labeled the budget as a “financial trap,” highlighting concerns over the allocation for the VB-G RAM G scheme and the 60:40 Centre-state funding ratio, which they argue threatens states’ financial stability. The party’s State Secretary Govindan warned of extensive protests on Tuesday, characterizing the budget as a “war declaration” against Kerala.
The Congress-led UDF, the state Assembly’s opposition, also condemned the budget, aligning with the ruling Left’s criticism. The upcoming state Assembly elections and the recent BJP victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation have intensified the opposition’s stance against the Centre’s budget allocations.
