Kochi: In a move signalling protest, Kerala's ruling CPM on Wednesday inaugurated a completed stretch of National Highway-66 hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to dedicate it to the nation.

The party's action came after the reported exclusion of state Public Works Department (PWD) minister P A Mohammed Riyas from the PM’s official event. CPM MLA C H Kunhambu formally opened the Thalappady-Chengala stretch of NH-66, already upgraded to six lanes and accessible to the public.

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Riyas is expected to hold a roadshow along another completed segment, the Vengalam-Ramanattukara stretch of the Kozhikode bypass, which was also slated for inauguration by the PM at 12.30 pm.

Ministers skip PM’s ceremony, raising political tensions

According to government sources, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will not attend the event, despite his name appearing on the programme schedule. No official reason was given for his absence.

State ministers M B Rajesh and K Krishnankutty, though invited, also cited personal reasons for not attending.

In response, state BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar criticised the decision. "As head of the state, the CM was invited in accordance with the protocol. It is nowhere said that the CM's son-in-law (Riyas) and other family members also have to be invited. If they have a problem with it, so be it. That is what I have to say," he told reporters.

Chandrasekhar added, "It was for the CM to decide who should accompany him. Elections will be held in the state in around 30 days. The CPM is trying to create a controversy now as they know that after 30 days, Vijayan will not be CM and Riyas will not be a minister."

BJP accuses CPM of politicising PM visit

The BJP leader further said Vijayan was aware of the PM's visit 5-6 days in advance but did not specify any invitees. "Why did he not say anything? This is all an attempt to create controversy. If you (CM) wanted a certain minister to accompany you, it should have been communicated to the government of India in advance. From what I know, the CM did not say anything to the Centre," Chandrasekhar claimed.

The unfolding events have added a political dimension to what was meant to be a routine highway inauguration, highlighting tensions between the state government and the central leadership ahead of elections.