Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addressed the Kerala Kaumudi Conclave in Thiruvananthapuram today, calling for the creation of a Developed Kerala, Secure Kerala, and a Kerala that respects every faith, and asserting that only when Kerala progresses can the vision of a Developed India be fully realised.
Several dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Vision of ‘Viksit Keralam’: Development Rooted in Performance
Addressing the gathering, Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘New India, New Kerala’ is rooted in the idea that every state must develop to its full potential. He outlined that the vision for ‘Viksit Keralam’ includes:
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Strong infrastructure
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Quality education
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Investment in R&D
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Industrial development
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Increase in individual income levels
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Governance based on performance rather than politics
He stressed that a developed Kerala must ensure security for every citizen and protection of all faiths, irrespective of religion or community.
PM Modi’s Leadership Driving Holistic Development
Shri Shah said that Prime Minister Modi is the only leader in Indian history to envision comprehensive development across sectors ranging from renewable energy to power generation and environmental protection.
He highlighted that under PM Modi’s leadership:
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India has risen from the 11th largest economy (2014) to the 4th largest economy (2025)
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India is projected to become the 3rd largest economy before 2027
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Infrastructure growth has increased by nearly 610%
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India accounts for 50% of global digital transactions
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27 crore people have moved out of poverty in the last decade
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Welfare schemes have ensured housing, electricity, drinking water, food security, and health insurance for crores of citizens
He described this as a model of holistic and inclusive development.
Kerala’s Potential and the Need for New Political Thinking
Acknowledging Kerala’s strengths in culture, education, Ayurveda, IT, sports, tourism, and innovation, Shri Shah said the state possesses immense potential. However, he expressed concern that the alternating cycle of power between two political alliances has led to political stagnation and corruption.
He urged the people of Kerala to consider:
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New leadership
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New political thinking
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Governance based on transparency and merit
He asserted that only his party and alliance could deliver corruption-free governance, delivery without discrimination, and vision beyond vote-bank politics.
Economic Vision Beyond Remittances
Shri Shah noted that while remittances play an important role in Kerala’s economy, a remittance-based model alone cannot ensure inclusive development.
He called for greater focus on:
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Tourism potential
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Maritime trade
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Ayurveda, spices, and medicinal exports
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IT, data centres, and semiconductor industries
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High-IQ industries that require less land but more innovation
He emphasised the need for a diversified and inclusive economic model that benefits every citizen.
Law, Order and Security Concerns
On internal security, Shri Shah stressed the importance of identifying and addressing hidden threats to social harmony. Referring to the ban on PFI, he questioned whether organisations that do not believe in coexistence can preserve Kerala’s unity.
He also called for an impartial investigation into the alleged gold theft at the Sabarimala temple, stating that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
Centre’s Financial Support to Kerala
Shri Shah cited figures to highlight the Centre’s contribution to Kerala’s development:
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₹72,000 crore allocated to Kerala between 2004–2014
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₹3.13 lakh crore allocated between 2014–2024 under PM Modi’s government
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Additional allocations included:
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₹22,000 crore for infrastructure
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₹4,000 crore for roads
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₹17,000 crore for railways and airports
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₹22,000 crore for urban development
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AMRUT projects across multiple cities
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Smart City Mission for Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi
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₹130 crore for community infrastructure projects under Jan Vikas Programme
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He asserted that it is not the central government but the state government that has failed to fully utilise Kerala’s potential.
Praise for Kerala Kaumudi Conclave
Shri Shah lauded Kerala Kaumudi as a credible voice in regional journalism, describing it as the voice of the soul of Kerala’s people, reflecting the state’s culture, consciousness, and public sentiment.
Conclusion
Concluding his address, Shri Amit Shah stated that:
“Only when a New Kerala is created will New India emerge. Only when Kerala becomes developed can India truly become developed.”
He reiterated his call for:
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Development-driven governance
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Corruption-free administration
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Social harmony
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Economic opportunity for every citizen
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Source: PIB
