Thiruvananthapuram: Only actor Mammootty is expected to attend Kerala’s official function declaring the state “extreme poverty-free,” as Mohanlal and Kamal Haasan, who had earlier accepted the invitation, are reportedly unable to participate due to personal reasons.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will make the declaration at 5 pm on November 1 at Thiruvananthapuram Central Stadium, coinciding with Kerala Piravi. All ministers will attend, and the Opposition Leader has been invited. Cultural programmes are planned before and after the ceremony, with Minister V Sivankutty heading the state-level organising committee. Simultaneous events will also be held across local bodies in the state.

The event has drawn criticism from Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and the Adivasi Gothra Maha Sabha, both of which have urged film stars not to participate. ASHA workers have  accused the government of “spreading falsehoods” by declaring Kerala free of extreme poverty.

The Gothra Maha Sabha termed the declaration “a political gimmick,” claiming it conceals the harsh realities faced by Adivasi and Dalit communities.