Modi’s Thiruvananthapuram Visit: A Shift in Protocol
Chief Minister's Absence at Airport Raises Eyebrows, Modi Greeted by Minister GR Anil and Mayor in Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Kerala’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram, to participate in events at the BJP conference and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). The PM arrived on an Air Force flight at 10:10 AM. Heavy security was arranged for his visit to the city, and he departed the Airport at 11:10 AM.
Enthusiastic Reception in Thiruvananthapuram
The state government represented Minister G.R. Anil welcomed Modi to Thiruvananthapuram instead of Kerala Chief Minister. Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran, Chief Secretary Dr. V.V. Venugopal, BJP State President K. Surendran, and BJP leader Prakash Javadekar were also at the Airport to receive Modi.
Modi travelled directly to VSSC from the Airport, reviewing various Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) projects. ISRO Chairman S. Somnath explained the plans to the PM in detail. At VSSC, Modi was joined by Vijayan and Governor Arif Mohammad Khan.
Pinarayi and Governor with Modi at VSSC
Kerala Chief Ministers and Governer reach VSSC promptly to accompany the Prime Minister. Both were absent in the Airport due to the short distance between the Airport and the space center, which made it impractical due to security protocol. Instead, the Chief Minister, Governor, and Union Minister, V. Muraleedharan, headed straight to VSSC before Modi’s arrival.
At VSSC, a special exhibition showcased India’s Gaganyaan project for Modi. Revitalizing the human-crewed spacecraft mission was an essential purpose behind his visit.
After the event in Thiruvananthapuram today, Modi will travel to Tamil Nadu and return to Kerala on Wednesday afternoon before departing for Maharashtra. Vijayan and Khan will likely arrive to see off his departure at that time.
Modi’s Space Program Focus in Kerala
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kerala focused on India’s space program. At VSSC, he reviewed important ISRO projects like the Gaganyaan human-crewed spacecraft mission. Though Chief Minister Vijayan skipped greeting Modi at the Airport, coordination remained behind the scenes. Vijayan, Governor Khan, and Minister Muraleedharan met the PM at VSSC.
Skipping the airport welcome may have ruffled feathers. However, the leaders appeared to prioritize efficient use of time over ceremony. With Modi on a tight schedule, he, Vijayan and Khan chose to connect at the space center. This allowed them to dive into business regarding Kerala’s role in India’s space plans.
Modi’s tour through south India will continue in Tamil Nadu next. He will briefly return to Kerala tomorrow before heading back to Maharashtra. It remains to be seen if Vijayan will be present for Modi’s farewell when he departs Thiruvananthapuram. But the PM’s visit showcased coordination and conflict between Kerala’s state government and national BJP leaders.
