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Kerala Political: The political atmosphere in Kerala witnessed fresh turbulence after a controversy erupted over the reception arrangements during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Thiruvananthapuram. The issue gained momentum when Kerala Education Minister V Shivankutty strongly criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging that the elected Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation was deliberately excluded from officially receiving the Prime Minister at the airport. According to Shivankutty, the incident was not merely a procedural lapse but an insult to the democratic dignity of the city and its people.

Allegations Raised by Kerala Education Minister

V Shivankutty alleged that the decision to exclude the Mayor from the airport reception was highly objectionable and politically motivated. He recalled that during the municipal election campaign, the BJP had publicly stated that if it gained power in the Corporation, the Mayor would formally receive the Prime Minister in official attire. However, when the Prime Minister arrived in the state capital, the Mayor was conspicuously absent from the official reception.

The minister questioned whether internal factionalism within the BJP or a perceived hierarchy of political status led to the Mayor being sidelined. He argued that such actions undermine federal values and disregard the constitutional position of an elected civic representative. Shivankutty further stated that none of the explanations offered so far justified the exclusion and that the incident reflected a deeper disregard for democratic norms.

Unfulfilled Development Blueprint Promise

Shivankutty also revisited the BJP’s election promise of announcing a comprehensive development blueprint for Thiruvananthapuram within 45 days of assuming power in the Municipal Corporation. He questioned the status of that promised plan and asked why no concrete roadmap had been presented so far. According to him, the delay raises serious doubts about the party’s commitment to its pre-election assurances and reinforces the perception that campaign promises are not being honoured after electoral success.

Prime Minister Highlights BJP Victory

Earlier on the same day, Prime Minister Modi hailed the BJP’s historic victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, describing it as a turning point in the city’s political history. Addressing a public gathering, he said the result marked the end of decades of neglect by the Left Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front, and the beginning of a new phase focused on development and good governance under BJP leadership.

Criticism of LDF and UDF Governance

During his speech, Modi criticised both the LDF and UDF, accusing them of fostering corruption, mismanagement, and appeasement politics over the years. He stated that despite ideological differences, both fronts followed similar governance patterns that failed to address core developmental challenges. According to him, the people of Kerala were increasingly aware of these shortcomings and were now seeking an alternative political direction.

Vision for a Developed Thiruvananthapuram

The Prime Minister assured citizens that the BJP administration in the Corporation had already begun working towards improving infrastructure and public services. He urged residents to have faith in the transformation process, stating that long-pending development initiatives would finally gain momentum. Modi described the municipal victory as a mandate for transparent governance and a corruption-free administrative framework.

Infrastructure Projects and Public Outreach

As part of his visit, Prime Minister Modi flagged off four new trains, including three Amrit Bharat Express services connecting Nagercoil to Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram to Tambaram, and Thiruvananthapuram to Charlapalli, along with a passenger train between Thrissur and Guruvayur. He also laid foundation stones and inaugurated multiple development projects in Thiruvananthapuram, highlighting the Centre’s focus on improving connectivity and urban infrastructure.

Presence of State Leadership

The event was attended by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, reflecting the significance of the Prime Minister’s visit amid the state’s evolving political landscape. As Kerala moves closer to assembly election mode, the controversy surrounding the airport reception has added a new layer of political debate, intensifying discussions around protocol, governance, and accountability.