<h1>Union Budget neglect of Kerala prompts CPI(M) to observe Feb 3 as a statewide 'Black Day' protest.</h1> The CPI(M) criticised the Union Budget for neglecting Kerala, saying none of the state's 29 demands were met and no long-pending projects funded; it flagged omissions including AIIMS, high-speed rail corridors, a Vizhinjam port package, Ayurveda AIIMS, inland water transport projects, a rubber price stabilisation fund and a proposed railway coach factory. The party alleged the Budget favoured corporate interests and cut employment guarantee spending and welfare supports, and called for statewide black-flag protests and demonstrations on February 3.