LDF Opens Kasaragod Highway Stretch; Claims Centre Neglects State

The LDF has opened a new highway stretch in Kasaragod. They say the central government did not give the state credit for this project.
By Newsroom | Politics, Infrastructure |

Kasaragod Unveils NH Stretch Amidst Allegations of Exclusion

Kasaragod, Kerala: Leaders of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) staged a protest and symbolically inaugurated the Talapady-Chengala National Highway stretch in Kasaragod, alleging that the State government was not officially informed about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit for its inauguration. This action intensifies ongoing political friction between the State and the Union government, particularly concerning infrastructure development.

Alleging Kerala’s neglect in PM Modi’s event, LDF protests and symbolically opens Talapady-Chengala NH stretch in Kasaragod - 1

The LDF asserts that the completed highway segment, a key part of the broader NH-66 project, was realized through the State's efforts and intervention, and they will not await a formal Centre-led dedication. The party claims the Union government is attempting to usurp credit for projects pushed by the State, potentially sparking further debate on federal principles and development accountability.

Alleging Kerala’s neglect in PM Modi’s event, LDF protests and symbolically opens Talapady-Chengala NH stretch in Kasaragod - 2

Broader Discontent Over Central Policies

The highway inauguration dispute is not an isolated incident. It mirrors a pattern of LDF-led protests across Kerala, citing what they term the Centre's “discriminatory policies” and “extraordinary neglect”. Recent agitations have targeted the Union Budget, which the LDF contends has sidelined Kerala by excluding it from proposed high-speed rail corridors and waterways.

Read More: Lok Sabha Rejects No-Confidence Vote Against Speaker Om Birla on August 8

Alleging Kerala’s neglect in PM Modi’s event, LDF protests and symbolically opens Talapady-Chengala NH stretch in Kasaragod - 3

  • The State government points to significant financial dues and slashed borrowing limits from the Centre, impacting various welfare and development schemes.

  • Specific grievances include pending funds for UGC-related benefits, social security pensions, paddy procurement, and schemes like Samagra Shiksha Kerala, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Poshan Abhiyan.

  • Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has characterized these financial measures as hindering the State's development and called for a united front against perceived central overreach.

Infrastructure Woes and Political Optics

The NH-66 project itself has faced scrutiny beyond the recent inauguration controversy. In May 2025, a 200-meter stretch of the under-construction highway near Kooriyad in Malappuram collapsed following heavy monsoon rains. This incident has fueled public anger and accusations of "unscientific construction," further complicating the narrative around infrastructure development in the State. Residents are demanding ecological impact reports and assurances of compliance with construction norms.

Alleging Kerala’s neglect in PM Modi’s event, LDF protests and symbolically opens Talapady-Chengala NH stretch in Kasaragod - 4

  • The collapse has eroded public confidence in a project once lauded as a significant infrastructure upgrade for Kerala.

  • Political analysts suggest that the focus on optics and political rivalry may be overshadowing genuine concerns regarding public safety and project execution.

Historical Context of Federal Tensions

The current spat over the NH-66 segment is situated within a broader context of political antagonism. Prime Minister Modi has previously criticized both the ruling LDF and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala, accusing them of fostering a "cycle of corruption and appeasement politics." He has suggested that despite their differences, their underlying agendas of corruption and mismanagement remain consistent. This narrative from the Centre casts a shadow on State-led development initiatives and central claims of federal partnership.

Read More: NH-66 Kerala Road Collapses Raise Quality Concerns Before Monsoon

The 39-kilometer Talapady-Chengala stretch, nearing completion, is a significant component of the NH-66 widening project, involving substantial investment and multiple infrastructural elements like flyovers and bridges. It was reportedly being executed by ULCCS, a labor cooperative, with an estimated cost of ₹1,704.125 crore. The land acquisition alone was pegged at ₹683.09 crore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did LDF leaders open the Talapady-Chengala highway stretch in Kasaragod?
LDF leaders opened the highway because they claim the central government did not officially tell the state government about Prime Minister Modi's visit for its inauguration. They feel the state's efforts were ignored.
Q: What is the LDF's main complaint against the central government regarding development projects?
The LDF says the central government has "discriminatory policies" and shows "extraordinary neglect" towards Kerala. They believe the Centre tries to take credit for projects that the state government worked hard on.
Q: What other issues has the LDF raised about the central government's actions?
The LDF is unhappy with the Union Budget, saying it left Kerala out of high-speed rail and waterways projects. They also point to delayed payments and reduced borrowing limits from the Centre, which affect welfare and development schemes.
Q: Has the NH-66 project faced other problems besides this inauguration dispute?
Yes, a 200-meter part of the under-construction NH-66 highway near Malappuram collapsed in May 2025 after heavy rain. This caused public anger and questions about the construction quality.
Q: What is the cost and length of the Talapady-Chengala highway stretch?
The 39-kilometer Talapady-Chengala stretch is a major part of the NH-66 project. It cost about ₹1,704.125 crore to build, with land acquisition costing an extra ₹683.09 crore.