Kerala declared India’s first extreme poverty-free state; Opposition boycotts Assembly, calls move ‘fraudulent’

In a landmark announcement, the Kerala government on Monday declared the state as India’s first extreme poverty-free state, marking what Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described as “the dawn of a new era” in Kerala’s development journey.

The declaration was made during a special session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, convened to officially announce the achievement. However, the event was overshadowed by a boycott by the Opposition, which termed the declaration a “fraud” and accused the government of misleading the public.

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan alleged that the Assembly session was held “in violation of rules” and that the announcement insulted the dignity of the House. “The declaration that Kerala is an extreme poverty-free state is a pure fraud. The Assembly is being misused for political propaganda,” Satheesan said before the Opposition staged a walkout, shouting slogans in protest.

Government hails ‘historic milestone’

Despite the walkout, Chief Minister Vijayan addressed the Assembly, calling the achievement “a milestone in the creation of a New Kerala.” “Kerala has been able to become the first state in the country without extreme poverty. This is not merely a declaration but the result of continuous social interventions and welfare measures,” he said.

Rejecting the Opposition’s allegations, Vijayan said, “Those who call it a fraud are speaking from their own habits. The government only announces what it has achieved — nothing is hidden.”

Local Government Minister defends move

Defending the government’s decision to convene the Assembly for the announcement, Local Government Minister M.B. Rajesh said it was important to “inform the world about this historic achievement.” He added, “Time will judge the Opposition, which walked out unable to accept the reality of Kerala’s success. The state has achieved what no other in India has been able to.”

Policy background

The declaration follows years of government programs aimed at identifying and uplifting families living in extreme poverty through schemes covering housing, education, health, and livelihood. Kerala’s model of decentralized governance and welfare delivery has long been cited as one of the most effective in India.

However, critics argue that the data on poverty eradication needs independent verification, pointing to pockets of deprivation that persist among migrant workers and marginalized communities.

The Chief Minister said the government will continue to focus on inclusive growth, ensuring that no citizen slips back into extreme poverty.