“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.

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“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 state’s Public Works Department Minister, regarding his absence from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official event in Kochi on March 11, 2026.

The event, which saw the inauguration of various development projects including the six-lane expansion of National Highway 66, was marked by political tensions surrounding Riyas’s exclusion. Alongside him, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other ministers, including M B Rajesh and K Krishnankutty, also opted not to attend, citing personal reasons.

Riyas’s absence has been a focal point of controversy, as he claimed he had not received any official invitation to the function. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among some state officials who view the exclusion as politically motivated.

General Education Minister V Sivankutty echoed this sentiment, calling the exclusion of Riyas “shocking” and “politically motivated”. This incident comes amid ongoing political dynamics in Kerala, where the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government has been at odds with the central BJP government.

BJP leaders, however, defended the invitation process, asserting that the Chief Minister was invited according to protocol and that the exclusion of Riyas was unnecessary. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a BJP leader, remarked, “As head of the state, the CM was invited in accordance with the protocol.”

Adding to the political narrative, BJP leader B Gopalakrishnan alleged that the state government was attempting to consolidate Muslim votes by boycotting the Prime Minister’s event.

The National Highway development project, which includes the Thalappady-Chengala stretch and the Vengalam-Ramanattukara stretch of the Kozhikode bypass, was revived after the LDF government came to power in 2016, marking a significant investment in infrastructure by the state government.

Kerala has been noted as the first state in India where the state government directly funded national highway development, showcasing its commitment to infrastructure improvements.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, further developments regarding the fallout from this event are anticipated. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any official responses from the state government following the Prime Minister’s address.

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The PM event scheduled for March 11, 2026, in Kochi, Kerala, was anticipated to be a significant occasion for the inauguration of national highway projects. However, prior expectations have shifted dramatically as key state officials have announced their decision to boycott the event.

Change in Participation

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and several state ministers, including Public Works Department Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas and Local Self Government Minister M.B. Rajesh, will not attend the PM event. This boycott arises from the exclusion of Minister Riyas from the invitation list, which has been perceived as a breach of protocol.

Immediate Effects

The decision by the Kerala government to withdraw participation is a direct response to the perceived slight against Minister Riyas, who stated, “The PWD minister has been excluded, while the BJP state president has been invited.” This move reflects the ongoing tensions between the state government and the central administration, particularly in the context of the upcoming Assembly elections.

The PM’s visit is part of the campaign for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and the absence of Kerala’s cabinet members may impact the event’s political significance. The event will still proceed, featuring the inauguration of key development projects and an NDA rally, despite the lack of local government representation.

Expert Perspectives

Political analysts suggest that the boycott could signify deeper rifts in state-central relations. Riyas emphasized that excluding the PWD minister is “not good for democracy,” highlighting the importance of inclusivity in political events.

Security Concerns

Minister M.B. Rajesh’s decision to skip the event was also influenced by security issues he faced at a previous PMO event, where he was repeatedly asked to produce identification despite being recognized as a minister. He noted, “These factors influenced my decision not to attend the event.”

Investment in Infrastructure

Despite the boycott, the Kerala government has invested ₹5600 crore in ongoing national highway expansion projects, underscoring the state’s commitment to infrastructure development. This investment is crucial as it coincides with the PM event, which aims to showcase such initiatives.

Political Ramifications

Local Congress leaders, including Benny Behannan, have also expressed reluctance to endorse the event, stating, “I did not want to endorse the political campaign of the BJP.” This sentiment reflects the broader political landscape in Kerala, where party affiliations significantly influence participation in government events.

Looking Ahead

As the PM event approaches, the absence of key state officials raises questions about the implications for future collaborations between the state and central governments. The political significance of this boycott may resonate beyond the event itself, potentially affecting voter sentiments in the upcoming elections.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further developments leading up to the event.

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On a significant day in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 1,129 crore. This event was part of a program titled Jan-Jan Ki Sarkar, 4 Saal Bemisaal, celebrating four years of the Uttarakhand government.

During the event, Shah handed over Indian citizenship to five Hindu families who were facing religious persecution from Pakistan and Afghanistan. In total, 153 refugees from these countries living in Uttarakhand have been granted Indian citizenship, with 147 cases from Pakistan and 6 from Afghanistan.

In addition to the citizenship grants, Shah launched the e-Zero FIR system in Uttarakhand, aimed at assisting victims of financial cyber fraud involving amounts exceeding Rs 1 lakh. He emphasized that this system would enable the police to take swift action during the crucial ‘golden hour’.

Shah also took the opportunity to criticize the Congress party, specifically targeting Rahul Gandhi for opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). He remarked, “Rahul Gandhi opposes every step and decision of the government because he sees negativity in everything,” highlighting the political tensions surrounding the issue.

Furthermore, Shah noted that the Uttarakhand government had successfully removed around 10,000 encroachments in the state, showcasing the government’s commitment to land management and urban planning.

Addressing the gathering, Shah rallied the crowd with the slogan ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, reinforcing a sense of national pride among attendees. He also presented appointment letters to 2,000 police constables, with five constables receiving their letters on stage, marking a significant step in strengthening law enforcement in the region.

As the event concluded, the atmosphere was charged with a mix of political fervor and community spirit, reflecting the ongoing efforts of the government to address both developmental and social issues in Uttarakhand.

This series of developments not only highlights Amit Shah’s active role in the region but also underscores the government’s initiatives aimed at improving security and providing support to marginalized communities.

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