Kerala CM Satheeshan's Explosive 7-Point Attack On LDF Over Women's Pension Scheme

Thiruvananthapuram, June 29: Kerala CM Satheeshan launched a strong political attack on the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government during the Kerala Legislative Assembly session on Monday. The Chief Minister accused the former administration of delaying the implementation of key manifesto promises until the final phase of its tenure and introducing welfare schemes without proper planning ahead of the Assembly elections.

Kerala CM Satheeshan said his government had taken a completely different approach by implementing election promises immediately after assuming office. According to him, fulfilling manifesto commitments should begin as soon as a government takes charge rather than waiting until the end of its term.

Speaking in the Assembly, Kerala CM Satheeshan questioned the timing of the previous government’s welfare announcements. He remarked that the LDF remained in power for 120 months but announced several major manifesto commitments only during its final month. He argued that manifesto promises are intended to benefit people throughout the government’s tenure, not merely during election season.

The Chief Minister highlighted that his administration implemented its first election promise during the very first Cabinet meeting by introducing free travel for women in KSRTC buses. He described this decision as evidence of the government’s commitment to delivering on promises without unnecessary delay.

Government Highlights Welfare Measures for Women

Kerala CM Satheeshan also defended his government’s record on women’s welfare and accused the previous LDF government of failing to adequately support women and frontline workers.

Recalling the protests by ASHA workers under the previous administration, he said they had demonstrated outside the Secretariat for several days while facing criticism from the government. After assuming office, the present government increased the honorarium of ASHA workers by ₹3,000, a move that Kerala CM Satheeshan described as proof of his government’s commitment to improving the welfare of healthcare workers.

He further claimed that his administration has consistently supported women through various welfare initiatives while accusing the previous government of adopting an anti-women approach despite making public commitments.

Financial Burden Left Behind by Previous Government

Kerala CM Satheeshan also criticized the financial management of the previous administration. According to the Chief Minister, his government inherited significant financial liabilities, including a pension fund burden estimated at nearly ₹17,000 crore.

He alleged that several important administrative decisions, including the constitution of the Pay Revision Commission, were delayed until the final days of the previous government’s tenure. The release of Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) was also reportedly postponed for several years, creating additional financial challenges for the new administration.

The Chief Minister stated that his government is now addressing multiple pending issues left unresolved by the previous regime while simultaneously implementing new welfare initiatives.

Women’s Safety Pension Scheme Under Review

One of the key issues discussed in the Assembly was the Women’s Safety Pension Scheme introduced by the previous government shortly before the Assembly elections.

Kerala CM Satheeshan defended the government’s decision to review the scheme before continuing its implementation. He argued that the welfare initiative was launched without adequate institutional mechanisms and lacked proper planning.

According to the Chief Minister, the first installment under the Women’s Safety Pension Scheme was distributed in February 2026, while additional installments for February and March were approved only after the Model Code of Conduct had come into force.

He questioned whether the scheme had been implemented transparently and alleged that proper committees were not constituted to oversee beneficiary selection.

Concerns Over Beneficiary Selection

Kerala CM Satheeshan said the government has received several complaints regarding the selection process of beneficiaries under the Women’s Safety Pension Scheme.

He stated that authorities would verify whether existing beneficiaries were already receiving assistance under other government welfare schemes. The review will also examine whether the selection process followed proper guidelines and whether deserving women were included.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the government would not discontinue the scheme without careful examination. Instead, it plans to identify procedural shortcomings, rectify any irregularities, and take an informed decision after completing a comprehensive review.

Opposition Demands Immediate Discussion

The issue gained prominence in the Kerala Legislative Assembly after opposition MLA A.C. Moideen submitted an adjournment motion seeking suspension of House proceedings to discuss the delay in the disbursal of the Women’s Safety Pension.

However, Kerala CM Satheeshan rejected the demand, arguing that the issue had already been addressed during the Budget discussion and did not warrant suspension of Assembly proceedings.

He maintained that a detailed review was necessary before making any policy decisions regarding the continuation or modification of the scheme.

Political Debate Intensifies

The Assembly witnessed sharp exchanges between the ruling government and the opposition over welfare policies, election promises, and financial management.

Kerala CM Satheeshan accused the previous LDF government of introducing welfare schemes primarily for electoral advantage rather than ensuring their long-term sustainability. He claimed that the Women’s Safety Pension Scheme had been launched hastily before elections without proper administrative planning.

The opposition, however, continued to question the delay in releasing pension benefits and demanded greater clarity regarding the future of the scheme.

Government Promises Transparent Review

Kerala CM Satheeshan assured the Assembly that the review process would be transparent and objective. He reiterated that the government remains committed to supporting women through effective welfare measures but emphasized that public funds must be distributed fairly and responsibly.

He said the review would verify beneficiary eligibility, strengthen administrative procedures, and ensure that future welfare programs are implemented efficiently.

The Chief Minister concluded by stating that his government would continue implementing manifesto promises from the beginning of its tenure while correcting financial and administrative shortcomings inherited from the previous administration.

As political debate over welfare schemes continues in Kerala, the government’s review of the Women’s Safety Pension Scheme is expected to remain a significant issue in the coming weeks. The findings of the review could shape future welfare policies and influence the ongoing political discourse surrounding governance, financial accountability, and the implementation of election promises in the state.