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

Riyas’s absence, along with that of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other state ministers, has sparked a political row, particularly over the circumstances surrounding Riyas’s invitation. The Prime Minister inaugurated several development projects during the event, including the six-lane expansion of National Highway 66, a significant infrastructure initiative in the state.

State Ministers M B Rajesh and K Krishnankutty also opted not to attend, citing prior commitments in their constituencies. Rajesh remarked, “I am not attending the PM’s programme. Yesterday, I came to know that my name was included in the list.” This statement reflects the confusion and lack of communication that has characterized the event.

Riyas further criticized the exclusion as politically motivated, a sentiment echoed by General Education Minister V Sivankutty, who described the situation as “shocking” and “politically motivated”. The ongoing tensions between the Kerala government and the BJP have intensified, with accusations flying from both sides.

BJP leaders, however, defended the protocol followed during the event. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a BJP leader, stated, “As head of the state, the CM was invited in accordance with the protocol,” suggesting that the absence of Riyas was unwarranted.

Amid these political dynamics, BJP leader B Gopalakrishnan alleged that the state government was attempting to consolidate Muslim votes by boycotting the Prime Minister’s event. This claim underscores the complex interplay of politics and community relations in Kerala.

The National Highway development project, which includes the Thalappady-Chengala stretch and the Vengalam-Ramanattukara stretch of the Kozhikode bypass, was revitalized after the Left Democratic Front government assumed power in 2016, following the intervention of Chief Minister Vijayan.

Kerala has been noted as the first state in India where the state government directly allocated funds for national highway development, marking a significant shift in infrastructure policy.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of this event and the responses from both the Kerala government and the BJP will be closely monitored. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further developments or statements from the involved parties.

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Decisive Moment

The boycott stems from the exclusion of Public Works Department Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas from the invitation list, which the Kerala government viewed as a breach of protocol. This decision has led to the withdrawal of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other cabinet members from participating in the event.

Immediate Effects

As a result of this boycott, the PM event will proceed without the presence of the Kerala cabinet members, which could diminish the event’s local significance. Riyas expressed his discontent, stating, “The PWD minister has been excluded, while the BJP state president has been invited,” highlighting the perceived political bias in the invitation process.

Expert Perspectives

Political analysts suggest that this incident reflects the growing tensions between the Kerala state government and the central government, particularly as the Prime Minister’s visit coincides with the ongoing campaign for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The event is not just a ceremonial occasion but a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Security Concerns

Local Self Government Minister M.B. Rajesh also opted out of the event, citing previous security issues he faced at a PMO event. He remarked, “I was repeatedly asked by the security personnel to produce the Aadhaar card, despite they clearly knowing that I was the minister,” indicating a lack of respect for state officials.

The Kerala government has invested ₹5600 crore in ongoing national highway expansion projects, underscoring the importance of infrastructure development in the region. However, the political fallout from the PM event may overshadow these achievements.

Political Implications

The absence of state ministers at the PM event raises questions about the future collaboration between the state and central governments. Benny Behannan, a Congress leader, stated, “I did not want to endorse the political campaign of the BJP,” further illustrating the deepening political divide.

As the PM prepares for his visit, the situation remains fluid, with the potential for further developments. The boycott by Kerala ministers not only alters the dynamics of the PM event but also signals a broader political struggle in the state.

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In a significant event in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 1,129 crore. This initiative aims to enhance infrastructure and public services in the region.

During the event, Shah handed over appointment letters to 2,000 police constables, addressing the need for improved law enforcement in the area. Additionally, he presented citizenship certificates to five Hindu families who have faced religious persecution, highlighting the ongoing efforts to provide refuge to those in need.

As part of this initiative, 153 refugees from Pakistan and Afghanistan living in Uttarakhand were granted Indian citizenship, including individuals like Hanseri Bai, Shailesh, and Durganath Rajput, who fled their home countries due to 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 system is expected to streamline the reporting process for such crimes, making it easier for victims to seek justice.

In his address, Amit Shah criticized the Congress party, alleging that it has facilitated the entry of infiltrators into the country. He specifically called out Rahul Gandhi, stating that he opposes every step and decision of the government, as he sees negativity in everything.

Shah further noted that the Dhami government had successfully removed around 10,000 encroachments in Uttarakhand, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to maintaining law and order in the state.

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) allows refugees facing religious persecution to apply for Indian citizenship, a point that Shah reiterated during his speech, underscoring the government’s stance on providing sanctuary to those in distress.

As the event concluded, Amit Shah’s remarks, including the slogan “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” resonated with the audience, reflecting a blend of national pride and political messaging.

Overall, this sequence of events highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to address social issues while also navigating the political landscape, particularly in relation to opposition parties.

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