PM Modi-Satheesan meeting on Tuesday; GST and PM SHRI topics likely to be discussed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Political observers are eagerly awaiting the meeting between Kerala Chief Minister, a sharp critic of the central government's schemes and BJP policies, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. While in opposition, the Congress in Kerala and the UDF attacked BJP and the central government on various issues. In that sense, the meeting between Chief Minister VD Satheesan and PM Modi will be eagerly looked upon by many political enthusiasts.

The meeting with the Prime Minister is likely to take place on Tuesday afternoon. It is reported that the Chief Minister will raise issues, including central assistance in various projects and GST, in the meeting. There are also indications that he will demand some amendments to the PM SHRI scheme for the renovation of schools.

The Kerala CM may also demand an increase in central grants to the state, more interest-free loans to provide infrastructure for the development of Vizhinjam port, more central assistance for road development, more financial assistance for the renovation of police stations and expansion of other facilities, etc. As the first budget of the UDF government is to be presented next month, all important issues related to the state will be discussed. The Chief Minister tried to meet some central ministers during his trip to Delhi the other day, but was unable to do so.

The Chief Minister, who will arrive in Thiruvananthapuram from Kochi at 10.50 am today, will attend the cabinet meeting at 11.30 am. He will leave for Delhi on a flight at 7.35 pm on Monday. After the meeting with Modi, he will return to Kerala by Tuesday evening.