New Delhi: An all-party delegation of MP's from Kerala has reportedly been refused appointment to meet the prime minister. The delegation had wanted to meet prime minister Narendra Modi mainly to discuss flood relief work in Kerala, and more specifically the issue of rules and modalities regarding receiving foreign aid for rehabilitation work.
In the light of the Centre's denial of permission to the state to receive aid from United Arab Emirates, which had reportedly offered aid to the tune of Rs 700 crores, the delegation had hoped to explain the state's case to the PM.
The telephonic reply given by the PM's office mentioned that the PM is too preoccupied to have time to meet the delegation, and that he directed them to meet Home Minister Rajnath Singh instead.
The refusal of audience to Kerala's MP's delegation for an important matter is likely to invite negative responses in the state, especially in the light of Modi's recent meeting with Malayalam film actor Mohanlal with whom he spent 20 minutes. Mohanlal had sought, and got, PM's appointment to invite him to a function and explain the activities of his organization Viswasanthi Foundation.