A roadshow led by PWD Minister PA Mohamed Riyas is underway at Ramanattukara-Vengalam reach in Kozhikode, Kerala on Wednesday. | Photo credit: K. RAGESH
A parallel inauguration of the Ramanattukara-Vengalam reach of National Highway 66 was held in Kozhikode, Kerala on Wednesday (March 11, 2026) by leaders of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) to protest the alleged expulsion of the state’s Public Works Department (PWD) by Prime Minister PA Na Mohamed Riyaias in a grand opening ceremony at Modhamed Riyuas. Kochi.
The protest action, which began with a roadshow near Ramanattukar, was led by Mr. Riyas and local party workers who shouted slogans against the Union government withdrawing the minister’s “expulsion” from his official post. LDF leaders and elected representatives of local bodies were among the protesters, who also accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders of planning a “deliberate exclusion”.
Roadshow conducted by PWD Minister PA Mohamed Riyas at Ramanattukara-Vengalam reach in Kozhikode on Wednesday. | Video Credit: K. RAGESH
“Exclusion is a humiliation for the state. This (kind of exclusion) will never support a democratic system. The people of our state are very much aware of our contribution to the implementation of the project,” Mr Riyas said.
He added that apart from “just approving the funds”, there were many human interventions that supported the speedy implementation of the infrastructure project.
‘Protocol Deviation’
LDF leaders who participated in the roadshow slammed the Union government, terming the exclusion a “deviation from established protocol” in infrastructure projects implemented in collaboration with the state. They pointed out that the project would not have become a reality if the state government had not cooperated with the land acquisition procedures and related development needs.
The protesters alleged that the exclusion of the state representative from the ceremony “undermined the cooperative federal spirit” and ignored the contributions of the Kerala government. They also argued that the rehabilitation of those who lost their land due to the construction of the expressway would not have been successfully completed without the cooperation of the state government.
Protocol followed: BJP
Meanwhile, BJP leaders have clarified that all official protocols have been followed in connection with the state-level inaugural function as such. They said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was invited to the event representing the state.
“The invitation was sent a few days in advance and there were no objections at the time of accepting the invitation,” they claimed.
The 28 km Ramanattukara-Vengalam stretch is part of the ongoing widening of NH-66 in Kerala, one of the state’s largest road infrastructure initiatives. The corridor forms a key segment connecting the city of Kozhikode with the northern part of the state and the neighboring district of Kannur. The aim of the modernization is to improve traffic flow, road safety and reduce travel time on the busy coastal highway.
Published – March 11, 2026 1:06 PM IST
