Goa, Nov. 1 -- Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that Kerala has become the first state in India to eradicate extreme poverty, marking a historic milestone on Kerala Piravi Day. Vijayan stated that the decision to end extreme poverty was one of the earliest commitments of his government after assuming office in 2021, fulfilling a major election promise. He said the success came through targeted welfare measures addressing food, housing, healthcare, and documentation needs of over 64,000 vulnerable families.

However, the Opposition UDF boycotted the Assembly session, calling Vijayan's announcement "pure fraud." Local Self-Government Minister MB Rajesh defended the initiative, saying it was achieved through transparent, participato...