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After greeting the audience, Prime Minister Modi waited and personally welcomed Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan to the stage, marking a rare political gesture.
PM Modi welcoming Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan during an event in Thiruvananthapuram.
In a rare gesture that went beyond politics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday waited and personally welcomed Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on stage during an event, where he inaugurated new train services.
PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a series of development projects and flagged off four new train services, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains in poll-bound Kerala, in the presence of CM Vijayan, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and other senior dignitaries.
The Prime Minister arrived before Vijayan and greeted the audience during the event. He then waited patiently and walked to the edge of the stage to personally welcome Vijayan to the stage. The two leaders exchanged a warm handshake and smiles before taking their seats.
The moment is significant as Vijayan and Modi are political rivals in Kerala, and both have had their share of acrimonious exchanges in the past. PM Modi recently accused the Vijayan-led Left government of corruption and misgovernance, while the Kerala CM has blamed the BJP for rising communal conflicts.
Meanwhile, the PM received a rousing welcome in Thiruvananthapuram as he kick-started the BJP’s poll campaign in Kerala. Supporters gathered along the roads, waving flags and cheering as his convoy passed, reflecting the high public interest and energy surrounding the PM’s visit to the state.
PM Modi highlighted the Centre’s initiatives to boost Kerala’s development. He said the state’s rail connectivity has been strengthened and efforts are underway to make Thiruvananthapuram a major startup hub.
He also launched the PM SVANidhi Credit Card scheme, aimed at supporting street vendors, cart operators, and footpath hawkers, describing it as part of a broader initiative from Kerala for the welfare of the poor across the country.
“From Kerala, an initiative has been initiated for the welfare of the poor across the country. Today, PM SVANidhi Credit Card has been launched. This will benefit street vendors, street carts and footpath hawkers across the country…,” the PM remarked.
Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India, India
January 23, 2026, 22:29 IST
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