Political Tensions in Kerala: State Leaders Boycott PM Modi's Event

Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and state ministers avoid attending Prime Minister Narendra Modi's event, citing exclusion of PWD Minister P A Mohammed Riyas. The event involves the inauguration of key highway development projects. The boycott raises questions about political strategy ahead of state elections.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with his ministers, opted to abstain from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state event on Wednesday. This decision follows allegations of exclusion of PWD Minister P A Mohammed Riyas from the guest list.

The Prime Minister's agenda included inaugurating significant development projects such as the expansion of National Highway 66 into a six-lane thoroughfare. Projects include the Thalappady-Chengala and Vengalam-Ramanattukara stretches.

While no official reason was given for Chief Minister Vijayan's absence, the boycott has sparked political discussions. Minister Riyas criticized the situation as undemocratic, emphasizing the state's role in facilitating these developments. Conversely, BJP's B Gopalakrishnan accused the state government of trying to secure Muslim votes by avoiding the PM's event.

(With inputs from agencies.)