NEW DELHI: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday criticized National Highway Authority officials for not issuing an order regarding the acquisition of land as part of the National highway development in Kerala. The criticism was made when Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan came to meet him to discuss the issue.

According to Gadkari, it is a shame that the Chief Minister has to come all the way to Delhi for such an issue. The minister was unhappy with the officials as no progress was made in the issue despite Kerala's assurance to bear 25% of the total expense. He also warned the officials to take appropriate action as early as possible to avoid suspension.