P. Rajeeve, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and former Minister for Industries, on Thursday alleged that the White Paper on State’s fiscal health tabled in the Kerala Assembly reflected the United Democratic Front (UDF) government’s move to steer towards a neo-liberal direction.

He recalled that Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan had often stated during his tenure as the Leader of the Opposition that they were the ‘real Left’ while pointing out that he is a “Nehruvian Left’. The former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had considered the public sector units as the real temples of modern India. But the White Paper presented by the UDF government has washed its hands of the public sector units, he alleged.

Mr. Rajeeve said that the White Paper has dealt with Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, Kerala State Electricity Board and Kerala Water Authority based on its profit and loss figures, instead of viewing them as essential services. He alleged that the document has echoed support for disinvestment, privatisation or closure of loss-making public sector units.

He alleged that the document has failed to acknowledge the development of public sector units during the 10 years of Left rule. The White Paper lacked a long-term vision for strengthening the public sector units in the State, he alleged.

Published – June 04, 2026 07:37 pm IST