In a blow to the Pinarayi Vijayan government, the Kerala High Court invalidated the controversial ‘Nava Kerala Survey,’ deeming it illegal due to lack of proper funding and execution. The court raised concerns over the survey’s political motives and its connection to the LDF’s election manifesto. Despite acknowledging the importance of understanding public needs through surveys, the court questioned whether the initiative was a disguised political agenda.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s explanations, the court cast doubts on the funding sources and utilization of funds for the survey. The survey, portrayed as an attempt to gather feedback on welfare schemes and development projects, faced criticism for allegedly deploying party cadres and misusing government resources for partisan gains. Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan hailed the court’s decision as a rebuke to the government’s misuse of public funds for political purposes.
The court’s ruling, prompted by petitions to halt the survey, highlighted the lack of transparency in funding records provided by the government. With the upcoming elections, the verdict has heightened political tensions in Kerala, forcing the government to defend its actions and face increased scrutiny over the use of state resources during the election period.
