Kerala CM, ministers likely to skip PM’s event in Kochi over non-inclusion of PWD min

In a significant political development, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his cabinet ministers are expected to skip Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming event in Kochi. This decision arises from the non-inclusion of the state's Public Works Department (PWD) minister in the PM's program. Local Self-Government Minister MB Rajesh and Power Minister K Krishnankutty have both confirmed their absence, citing prior commitments as the reason for not attending the high-profile event. The tensions between the Kerala government and the central administration have been evident, especially regarding infrastructure projects and local governance issues. The omission of a minister from such a crucial event has been interpreted as a reflection of the ongoing rift between the state and the central government, raising questions about collaborative governance. This incident underscores the intricate dynamics of Indian politics, particularly in the context of federal relations, and highlights the potential for further political maneuvering ahead of upcoming elections.