Kerala chief minister and cabinet skip Modi’s Kochi event – On March 11, 2026 Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kochi to launch projects, but Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stayed in Thiruvananthapuram and none of his ministers attended, citing lack of communication and protest over invitations [1].
Several state ministers excluded or refuse to attend – Public Works Department minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas was not invited; Local Self‑Governments minister M. B. Rajesh said he received a late invitation and his colleague was omitted, prompting his decision to stay away [1].
Congress leaders split on participation – MP Benny Behannan, in Delhi for Parliament, said he would not attend “to avoid endorsing the BJP’s political campaign”; MP Hibi Eden will attend, calling it his parliamentary right but condemning the BJP’s use of the event for campaigning; MLA Uma Thomas will miss the function due to another constituency event [1].
BJP state president’s role sparks criticism – Rajeev Chandrasekhar, BJP Kerala president, will be present and translate Modi’s speech, a move Congress leaders label “a reflection of the BJP’s intention to make it a political event” and “objectionable” [1].
Event includes ₹10,800 crore of project launches and NDA campaign kickoff – The ceremony at Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor, will unveil projects worth ₹10,800 crore and serve as the National Democratic Alliance’s poll‑campaign launch at a secondary venue inside the stadium [2][1].
Timing coincides with election‑season preparations – The boycott occurs as all parties finalize candidate lists and strategies for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, adding a political dimension to the otherwise developmental event [1].