10,800 crore worth projects launched, development and employment for Kerala: Prime Minister

KOCHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that thousands of youth will get jobs through the development projects implemented by the central government in Kerala. "Every rupee spent will create employment opportunities. The determination of a developed Kerala will be realised." Modi was inaugurating, laying the foundation stone and dedicating projects worth Rs 10,800 crore at the Kaloor JNL Stadium.

"Expansion of the petroleum sector is important for the success of Self-Reliant India and Make in India. The foundation stone of the four lakh tonne polypropylene unit laid at the Kochi refinery will benefit many industries. The country has become a manufacturing hub. Artificial intelligence and semiconductor sectors are also making rapid progress. Green and clean energy should be made available for these. Kerala should also progress in solar energy production. That is why the 50 MW floating solar project is being built in East Kallada."

"Shornur Junction, Kuttippuram and Changanassery railway stations have been renovated. Electrification of Shoranur-Nilambur railway line has been completed. Development of important roads including Palakkad-Pollachi National Highway will solve traffic congestion. These will benefit tourism and other industries, the Prime Minister said.

Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Union Ministers Suresh Gopi and George Kurien, Hibi Eden MP and BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar attended the function.

Government boycotts

The state government boycotted the event in protest against the fact that Public Works Minister Muhammad Riyas was not invited despite the inauguration of roads costing crores and the BJP turning the official event into a campaign platform. Only Hibi Eden MP participated from the opposition. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, ministers K. Krishnankutty and M.B. Rajesh were included in the event. None of them turned up. MLA Uma Thomas was also invited, but did not turn up. The main protest was against the inclusion of the BJP state president without inviting Riyas. There was also criticism over the appointment of a BJP leader to translate the speech.

Could have asked for son-in-law to be included: BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar

If the Chief Minister wanted his son-in-law to be present at the venue where the Prime Minister inaugurates central projects, he could have said so earlier. The Chief Minister should decide who he wants with him. This is a strategy to create controversy and divert attention from the elections.

Although there is protest against the BJP using it for political campaigning, I attended because it was a function in the constituency - Hibi Eden