Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 23 (UNI) Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V V Rajesh will not be present at the airport to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Kerala on Friday, officials clarified, putting to rest speculation circulating on social media regarding his absence from the official reception.
Sources said the Mayor’s name was not included in the official protocol list of dignitaries designated to welcome the Prime Minister at the airport. The list includes the Kerala Governor, the Chief Minister, senior ministers, top civil and police officials, armed forces representatives, and leaders of the BJP and the NDA.
A few weeks ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had congratulated BJP’s newly elected Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Mayor V. V. Rajesh and Deputy Mayor G. S. Asha Nath following the party’s historic victory in the local body elections.
Clarifying the issue, the Mayor’s office stated that the decision was in line with security protocols and scheduling requirements, as Rajesh has been assigned responsibilities at other venues linked to the Prime Minister’s official programmes later in the day.
Officials said the Mayor would be involved in several engagements during the visit, including presenting details of development projects and urban planning initiatives related to Thiruvananthapuram. He is also expected to participate in events connected with the inauguration and flagging off of new train services announced for Kerala during the Prime Minister’s visit.
Prime Minister Modi’s itinerary includes a major public event and a roadshow in the city, with a large gathering expected at Putharikandam Ground. In view of the visit, extensive security arrangements have been put in place, along with traffic restrictions across key parts of the city.
Meanwhile, political circles have been abuzz with speculation over possible political developments coinciding with the Prime Minister’s visit, though no official confirmation has been issued.
Responding to queries, Mayor V. V. Rajesh reiterated that his absence from the airport reception was due to protocol-related arrangements and pre-scheduled official engagements linked to the Prime Minister’s programme.
He said airport receptions for visiting dignitaries are decided strictly in accordance with established security guidelines and official protocols, and that local body leaders are informed accordingly.
The Mayor emphasised that his absence should not be viewed as a deviation from standard practice or interpreted as a political statement.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Thiruvananthapuram includes participation in multiple official programmes, including inaugurations, foundation stone layings and the flagging off of key development projects across various sectors, amid heightened security measures across the city.
