THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has sharply criticized the opposition for boycotting the Loka Kerala Sabha. The CM said that boycotting the expatriates was a cruel act.

"Expatriates always stand for the development of the state. Malayalees across the world are moving forward with their minds dedicated to it. Good people cooperate with it. The boycott of the program of expatriates is ridiculous," the CM said. He was speaking online at the Loka Kerala Sabha.

Earlier, the Opposition and the NDA were criticized for not participating in the Loka Kerala Sabha. Businessman MA Yusuff Ali had also criticized the opposition for staying away from the event.

"Both the opposition and the ruling party should unite in the case of expatriates. The expats who came for the Loka Kerala Sabha came on their own expense. Is it extravagant to provide accommodation and food for expatriates? Do not exaggerate unnecessary things by terming it extravagant," he said.