Kerala minister Thomas Isaac irked by Shah's airport comment
What's the story
BJP chief Amit Shah, on landing at Kerala's as yet un-inaugurated Kannur airport earlier, tossed a 'congratulations' at the airport staff, saying that the airport inauguration had unofficially been completed. However, Shah's comments have irked Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac, especially in light of the BJP chief's attack against the Left government later in the day. Here's more.
Shah's comment
Shah landed at Kannur and announced it open
Having landed at the Kannur airport, Shah reportedly told airport staff, "Congratulations, your inauguration is done". However, the comments didn't go down well with Finance Minister Isaac, who felt that Shah was making a mockery of Kerala's hospitality towards him. For those unaware, the brand new Kannur airport is set to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on November 9.
Twitter Post
BJP congratulates Shah for being first Kannur airport passenger
Warm welcome Sri @AmitShah ji to the 'Gods Own Country', you are going to be the first person to land in Kannur International Airport.#AmitShahInKannur #BJP4Kannur pic.twitter.com/mGHSxHp6W5
— BJP Kannur (@BJP4Kannur) October 27, 2018
Attack
Later in the day, Shah attacked the Left government
Later in the day, Shah launched an attack on Kerala's Left government over the Sabarimala row, saying that it was trying to "destroy" Hindu traditions. He warned the government that it was "playing with fire" and prophesized that the government would not last long. He also promised full support to the agitating Ayyappa devotees, and condemned the arrests.
Isaac
Shah's behavior left Isaac with a bitter taste
The attack on the government by Shah, who had visited Kannur to inaugurate a BJP office, left the Kerala Finance Minister with a bitter taste in his mouth. Isaac felt that by making the 'congratulations' remark at the airport, and by attacking the government, Shah had made a mockery of the Kerala government's hospitality towards their political opponent. Isaac made the same known on Twitter.
Twitter Post
Isaac takes to Twitter to hit back at Shah
Amit Shah permitted to land in Kannur airport which is yet to be opened on 9th Nov.That is our tradition of hospitality. But he is threatening to oust Kerala government. Such empty threats do not frighten us. Try to win few seats in Assembly. Your frustration is understandable.
— Thomas Isaac (@drthomasisaac) October 27, 2018