Exclusion of Kerala Public Works Minister from PM’s event stokes political controversy

The inauguration of projects to the tune of ₹11,000 crore, including two stretches of the National Highway (NH) 66, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kochi at a time when the State was heading for Assembly polls has stoked a political controversy with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)]-led Kerala government boycotting the event on Wednesday.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who had no other public engagements on the day, boycotted the event apparently as a mark of protest against the reported “absence of a proper communication” regarding the invitation to the event and for not inviting Public Works department (PWD) Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas to the function.

The CPI(M) organised a parallel inauguration of the two road stretches before the Prime Minister inaugurated it. While C. H. Kunhambu, MLA, inaugurated the Thalappady-Chengala stretch, Mr. Riyas inaugurated the Vengalam-Ramanattukara road stretch. Mr. Riyas also undertook a road show along the stretch.