Kochi, March 11 (NationPress) The Kerala government plans to abstain from the National Highway inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present in Ernakulam.

This decision seems to stem from the omission of State Public Works Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas from the guest list.

Riyas, who holds the position of Public Works Minister, is also the son-in-law of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Chief Minister Vijayan, along with ministers M.B. Rajesh and K. Krishnankutty, have opted to skip the event.

Minister Rajesh mentioned that the invitation was received only on Tuesday, and he already has prior commitments in his constituency.

Krishnankutty echoed similar sentiments, citing scheduling conflicts.

This situation has escalated into a political dispute, particularly following Riyas's reported exclusion from the ceremony.

The state government's choice to withdraw is widely interpreted as a protest against his absence from the program.

This inauguration forms part of a broader event where the Prime Minister is expected to unveil development initiatives worth Rs 10,800 crore in Kerala.

Although Chief Minister Vijayan's name reportedly appeared in the event notice, he has decided against attending.

Among the attendees are Rajeev Chandrasekhar, president of the BJP's Kerala unit, and Union Minister George Kurian.

Significant projects being inaugurated include the six-lane Thalappady–Chengala segment of National Highway 66 and the Vengalam–Ramanattukara six-lane section of the Kozhikode bypass.

These projects are integral to the ongoing expansion of National Highway 66 throughout Kerala.

In response to the controversy, Riyas stated that he had not been notified about the event and labeled the scenario as “not befitting a democracy.”

He highlighted the State government's substantial involvement in the project, particularly in funding land acquisitions.

Riyas also indicated that Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who oversees the road transport ministry, would not be attending the ceremony.

He criticized what he termed a “hastily organized inauguration” and argued that without the support of the LDF government, the project might have faced delays.

The CPI(M) has signaled its intention to address the issue politically, accusing the BJP of attempting to claim exclusive credit for a project that involved the State government's support.

The party further claimed that a development initiative had been politicized.

In response to the boycott, State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar remarked that the Chief Minister leads the State government, and there is no requirement for the CM’s son-in-law to be invited.

“There are established protocols, and I’m unaware of any rule mandating that the CM’s family must also be invited. The Chief Minister was informed a week prior, and this issue has only emerged now,” he stated.

Chandrasekhar added that the “PM's programs were announced a week ahead, and the CM was invited, yet he chose not to address it then, leading to this issue arising on Wednesday. This has been brought up with the Assembly elections approaching.”