Skip: Kerala CM and Ministers PM Modi Event Amid Political Controversy
Kerala CM and Ministers Skip PM Modi Event
“I had not received any official communication inviting him to the function and termed the move ‘political’ and ‘not befitting a democracy’,” stated P A Mohammed Riyas, the PWD Minister of Kerala, regarding his absence from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official event in Kochi on March 11, 2026.
The event, which was marked by the inauguration of various development projects, including the six-lane expansion of National Highway 66, saw the notable absence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and several other ministers. This absence comes amid a political row concerning the exclusion of Riyas from the guest list.
State Ministers M B Rajesh and K Krishnankutty also did not attend, with Rajesh explaining, “I am not attending the PM’s programme. Yesterday, I came to know that my name was included in the list. I already have scheduled programmes in my constituency.” Their absence adds to the controversy surrounding the event.
Riyas expressed his disappointment over the situation, emphasizing that he had not received any invitation, which he interpreted as a deliberate political maneuver. He described the exclusion as detrimental to democratic values.
General Education Minister V Sivankutty echoed Riyas’s sentiments, labeling the exclusion of Riyas as “shocking” and “politically motivated.” This reflects a growing concern among the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) regarding the treatment of its members in relation to the central government.
In contrast, BJP leaders defended the Prime Minister’s invitation protocol, asserting that the CM was indeed invited and that the exclusion of Riyas was unwarranted. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a BJP leader, stated, “As head of the state, the CM was invited in accordance with the protocol.”
BJP leader B Gopalakrishnan further alleged that the state government was attempting to consolidate Muslim votes by boycotting the PM’s event, suggesting a deeper political strategy at play.
The National Highway development project, which includes significant stretches like the Thalappady-Chengala and Vengalam-Ramanattukara, was revitalized after the LDF government assumed power in 2016, highlighting the ongoing importance of infrastructure development in Kerala.
As the political landscape evolves, the implications of this event and the responses from both the state and central governments will be closely monitored. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further developments or statements from the involved parties.
