Kerala CM, Ministers Boycott Modi Event Over PWD Minister Issue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Kochi visit to launch projects in Kerala has turned political as State Ministers and Congress leaders choose to boycott it. The event comes at a time when all parties are finalizing candidates and strategies for the upcoming Assembly elections. The boycott is due to the exclusion of Public Works Department (PWD) Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas from the event, despite his name being featured in the advertisements.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his Cabinet colleagues, including Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty and Minister for Local Self-Governments M. B. Rajesh, have decided not to attend the function. Congress leaders Benny Behannan and Hibi Eden have also chosen to boycott the event, with Behannan stating that he did not want to endorse the BJP's political campaign.

The boycott is seen as a mark of protest against the exclusion of PWD Minister Riyas and the presence of BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar at the government function. The event is expected to kickstart the poll campaign of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Kerala.