Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], January 24 : Kerala Education Minister V Shivankutty on Friday criticised the BJP for excluding the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Mayor from receiving Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport, calling it "highly objectionable" and an insult to the city's people.
Shivankutty recalled that during the election campaign, the BJP had claimed that if it came to power in the Corporation, the Mayor would receive the Prime Minister at the airport in official attire. However, he alleged that when the Prime Minister arrived, the city's first citizen was excluded from the reception.
"The decision to exclude the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Mayor from the reception for the Prime Minister's visit is highly objectionable. During the election campaign, the BJP had widely publicised that if it came to power in the Corporation, the Mayor would receive the Prime Minister at the airport wearing official attire. However, when the Prime Minister arrived, the city's first citizen was excluded. This amounts to an insult to the people of Thiruvananthapuram and to federal propriety. None of the explanations being offered can be accepted at face value. Is BJP groupism behind the Mayor's exclusion, or is the Mayor being treated as someone without the 'status' to receive the Prime Minister? The BJP had claimed that within 45 days, the Prime Minister would personally visit Thiruvananthapuram and announce a development blueprint. Where is that blueprint now? This reflects the BJP's repeated stand that it has no obligation to honour election-time promises," V Shivankutty told reporters here.
Shivankutty questioned the BJP's election promise to announce a development blueprint within 45 days of taking power, asking where the plan is now. "Where is that blueprint now?" he asked, claiming the incident reflected the BJP's repeated stand of not honouring its poll promises.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday lauded the historic BJP victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, saying it marks the end of decades of neglect by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF) and the beginning of a new era of development and good governance.
PM Modi also criticised the two fronts for perpetuating corruption and mismanagement."Both the LDF and UDF have, in various ways, driven Kerala into a cycle of corruption, mismanagement, and appeasement politics. Though they may use different flags and symbols, their underlying political approach and agendas are virtually identical: rampant corruption, a lack of accountability, and the promotion of divisive communalism. Both parties are well aware that their opportunity to govern resurfaces every five years, yet the core issues remain unaddressed," PM Modi said as he addressed a gathering in Kerala's capital city, Thiruvananthapuram.
"For decades, both the LDF and UDF have neglected Thiruvananthapuram, depriving the city of basic facilities and infrastructure. The Left and the Congress have consistently failed to address the needs of our people. However, our BJP team has already begun working towards a developed Thiruvananthapuram. To the people of this city, I say: have faith- the change that has long been overdue is finally on its way," he added.
Hailing victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation polls, he said, "This victory is a victory for good governance. This victory is a victory for the resolve to build a developed Kerala. This victory is a victory for the commitment to free Kerala from the corruption of the LDF and UDF.
"PM Modi drew parallels between the BJP's beginnings in Kerala and its early journey in Gujarat.
PM Modi concluded by congratulating the voters of Thiruvananthapuram for placing their trust in the BJP and reaffirmed the party's commitment to delivering development and good governance in the city.
Earlier today, PM Modi flagged off four new trains, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains, Nagercoil-Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram, Thiruvananthapuram-Charlapalli, and a new passenger train between Thrissur and Guruvayur. He also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various developmental projects in Kerala's capital city, Thiruvananthapuram.
Addressing a public gathering here as Kerala heads into Assembly election mode, PM Modi began with the traditional greeting "Namaskaram!" and wished his long-time friend and VV Rajesh, who was sworn in as Mayor in Thiruvanthapuram after the BJP in the city's municipal elections for the first time came to power in any Corporation in Kerala.PM Modi was felicitated at the event.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar were also present.