Kerala polls: Karnataka Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar says 10-year LDF rule has failed to bring growth or job prospects to Kerala

Karnataka Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar criticizes Kerala's LDF government for failing to promote growth and create jobs in the state.

The CPI(M)-led LDF government has failed to bring development and investment to Kerala in the past 10 years or create new employment opportunities, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and senior Congress leader D.K. Shivakumar said on Monday (April 6, 2026).

In Thiruvananthapuram for the Congress’ election campaign, Mr. Shivakumar challenged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the CPI(M) to explain what the LDF government “has given to the State of Kerala.”

He said the Pinarayi government failed to come out with a policy that encourages more investment in Kerala, more employment opportunities and stronger gross state domestic product (GSDP) growth. “The Chief Minister must answer what investment you have brought to Kerala,” he said.  

Investors opt for Karnataka because the policies there are liberal. But those who attempt to invest in Kerala say the policies are “not open,” he said.

On Kerala’s top position in ease of doing business, Mr. Shivakumar countered, “But what has come? There should be some accountability. Something should be visible. Numbers should be visible. The communist mindset has to go, and liberalisation has to come back to attract investment, he said.

“The policies that you give are very important. Policies will attract investment. The protection that you give investors is important,” he added.