“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.

Riyas’s comments come amid a political row that has intensified in Kerala, where Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and several ministers notably skipped the event. The Prime Minister was present to inaugurate various development projects, including the six-lane expansion of National Highway 66.

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 has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the underlying motivations.

Riyas further claimed that he had not received any official invitation, which he interpreted as a deliberate exclusion. He described the situation as politically motivated, a sentiment echoed by General Education Minister V Sivankutty, who labeled the exclusion of Riyas as “shocking” and “politically motivated”.

The backdrop to this controversy lies in the revival of the National Highway development project, which was initiated after the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government took power in 2016, following Chief Minister Vijayan’s intervention.

BJP leaders have countered these claims, asserting that the Chief Minister was invited according to protocol and that the exclusion of Riyas was unnecessary. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a BJP leader, emphasized, “As head of the state, the CM was invited in accordance with the protocol.”

Additionally, BJP leader B Gopalakrishnan alleged that the state government was attempting to consolidate Muslim votes by boycotting the PM’s event, further complicating the political landscape.

The projects inaugurated during the event included significant stretches of the National Highway, such as the Thalappady-Chengala stretch and the Vengalam-Ramanattukara stretch of the Kozhikode bypass.

Kerala has historically been a pioneer in national highway development, being the first state in India to directly allocate state funds for such projects.

As the political situation evolves, the implications of these absences and the surrounding controversies will likely continue to unfold in the coming days.

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Decisive Moment

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and several state ministers have announced their decision to boycott the event. This decision stems from the exclusion of Public Works Department Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas from the invitation list, which has been interpreted as a breach of protocol. The boycott signifies a deepening rift between the state government and the central administration.

Immediate Effects

The absence of the Kerala cabinet members at the PM event is notable, particularly as the Prime Minister’s visit is part of the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) campaign strategy ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The event will proceed without the participation of these key officials, which may affect the local reception of the Prime Minister’s initiatives.

Expert Perspectives

P.A. Mohamed Riyas criticized the exclusion, stating, “The PWD minister has been excluded, while the BJP state president has been invited.” This sentiment reflects broader concerns regarding democratic representation and political fairness. Additionally, Local Self Government Minister M.B. Rajesh cited previous security issues at PMO events as influencing his decision to skip this event, stating, “I was repeatedly asked by the security personnel to produce the Aadhaar card, despite they clearly knowing that I was the minister.”

Financial Implications

The Kerala government has invested ₹5600 crore in ongoing national highway expansion projects, which are set to be highlighted during the PM’s visit. The absence of state officials may lead to questions about the collaboration between the state and central governments on such significant infrastructure projects.

Political Ramifications

The boycott is not just a personal decision but a political statement. Congress leaders, including Benny Behannan, have expressed their reluctance to endorse the BJP’s political campaign, further complicating the political landscape in Kerala. Behannan remarked, “I did not want to endorse the political campaign of the BJP,” indicating a clear stance against the ruling party’s influence in the state.

As the PM event approaches, the political dynamics in Kerala continue to evolve. The absence of key state leaders at this significant occasion raises questions about future collaborations and the implications for local governance. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential resolutions to the current standoff.

The post PM Event in Kochi: A Political Standoff appeared first on NewsNationIndia.

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 marks a crucial step in the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and public services in the region.

During the program, Shah handed over appointment letters to 2,000 police constables, a move aimed at bolstering law enforcement in the area. Additionally, he presented citizenship certificates to five Hindu families who had fled religious persecution, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.

In a broader context, a total of 153 refugees from Pakistan and Afghanistan residing in Uttarakhand were granted Indian citizenship, with 147 coming from Pakistan and 6 from Afghanistan. This action underscores the government’s stance on providing refuge to those facing persecution.

Shah also launched the e-Zero FIR system in Uttarakhand, designed to assist victims of financial cyber fraud involving amounts exceeding Rs 1 lakh. This initiative aims to streamline the reporting process for such crimes, making it easier for victims to seek justice.

During his address, Shah criticized the Congress party, stating, “Rahul Gandhi opposes every step and decision of the government because he sees negativity in everything.” This remark reflects the ongoing political tensions between the ruling party and the opposition.

In addition to these initiatives, the removal of 10,000 encroachments was also highlighted, showcasing the government’s efforts to maintain order and legality in land use.

Shah’s participation in the public program was significant, as it included the distribution of citizenship to families fleeing persecution, a matter of great importance in current political discourse.

As the events unfolded, the atmosphere in Haridwar was charged with a sense of urgency and purpose, reflecting the government’s focus on development and security.

Currently, the initiatives launched by Amit Shah are seen as pivotal for those involved, particularly for the newly appointed police constables and the families receiving citizenship.

This sequence of events matters significantly as it not only addresses immediate needs but also sets the stage for future political and social dynamics in the region.

Overall, Amit Shah’s visit to Haridwar represents a blend of development, security, and political messaging, resonating with various stakeholders in the community.

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