KOCHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is for good and cordial relationship with the state governments, according to Mr Alphons Kannanthanam, Union Minister of State for Tourism and IT. Speaking to reporters at Cochin International Airport on his first visit to the state as minister on Sunday, Mr. Kannanthanam said he would give priority to the development of Kerala. He downplayed the lukewarm response by the state BJP leadership on his elevation to the union ministry. “It was Onam holidays and people in the state were more interested in preparing for Onam celebrations,” he said.
Earlier, the minister was accorded a rousing welcome at the airport by BJP workers and leaders led by state president Kummanam Rajasekharan. Mr Kummanam received him by wrapping a shawl around him amidst slogan shouting by the BJP leaders. Former BJP state president V. Muraledharan was also present at the airport. The Ernakulam district unit of the BJP accorded a reception to Mr Kannanthanam at Kacherithazhath, Muvattupuzha, before he left for his hometown in Kottayam.
At the reception, Mr Kummanam said Mr Kannanthanam has the ability to regain the lost glory of Kerala. “Kerala which has immense potential in tourism sector is facing a crisis with the tourists largely abandoning the state. The state is now surviving on the revenue from liquor and lottery,” he said. “Kannanthanam is capable of reversing the plight in the tourism sector,” he added. Mr Kannanthanam said he will strive for realising Mr Narendra Modi’s dream of new India.
“The Modi government is aiming for providing houses, bank accounts, toilets and cooking gas for all the poor people in the country. The state should also cooperate in achieving these aims,” he added. Meanwhile Kanjirappally Bishop Mathew Arackkal said the Catholic Church does not think that BJP or any other political party is untouchable. The Church maintained good relationship with the union government whenever National Democratic Alliance was in power, he said. The induction of Alphons Kannamthanam into the Union Cabinet was in recognition of his achievements and ability, and there was no need to interpret the same as an attempt to appease the Christian minority by the BJP, the bishop said.
