Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has said that the collective goal of the Opposition is to propel Kerala into a future of economic prosperity and industrial excellence, regardless of political affiliations.
“Politics aside, the Opposition in Kerala is steadfast in its commitment to the development of the State. We firmly believe that fostering a conducive environment for investors is crucial for sustainable business growth,” he said in his address at the inauguration of the Invest Kerala global summit held in Kochi on Friday (February 21).
“I am proud to declare that the Opposition is taking initiative for the beginning of a new culture. We are giving our full support in all aspects to the government to make Kerala investment-friendly. I am happy to say that we have not conducted any hartals for the last four years. My request to the government is that when you are in the opposition, you have to continue the same culture,” he said.
He said that the United Democratic Front (UDF) has always been pro-development. “Our past governments have laid the foundation for industrial growth, initiating policies and infrastructure that have shaped Kerala’s economic trajectory. Notably, we were the first State in the country to formulate the start-up policy in 2015, setting the stage for a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem,” he said.
Mr. Satheesan recalled that the Global Investors Meet and the Emerging Kerala event organised by the previous UDF governments were largely successful. Institutions like the Technopark, Infopark and Kerala Startup Mission have been catalysts in the IT sector’s progress.
He said that Kerala was once notorious for trade union militancy. There were no strikes in any companies for the last 15 to 20 years, he said.
“I am very thankful to the trade unions for their support. We are advising the labourers to work hard and make the company profitable. Then we will bargain for you,” he said.
