Leaders of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kasaragod, Kerala, staged a protest and symbolically opened the Talapady-Chengala stretch of the national highway on Wednesday, alleging that Kerala was “ignored” during the official inauguration ceremony conducted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kochi.

The highway stretch, which was to be inaugurated as part of the national highway development programme, was opened to the public by LDF leaders during a demonstration held at Nullipady. The symbolic inauguration was carried out by MLA C.H . Kunhambu.

LDF leaders alleged that the Union government had sidelined Kerala by not inviting State Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas to the official inauguration function. According to them, the Talapady-Chengala stretch had already been completed and handed over in August 2025.

The leaders said they were dedicating the road to the public “without waiting for a formal inauguration”, asserting that the project was completed through the efforts and intervention of the State government.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Kunhambu alleged that while the State government had consistently pushed for the development of the national highway into a six-lane corridor, the Centre was attempting to claim credit and create political controversy.

LDF leaders also claimed that the Kerala government had not been officially informed about the Prime Minister’s visit to Kochi for inaugurating the completed Talapady-Chengala stretch in Kasaragod and the Vengalam-Ramanattukara reach in Kozhikode district.

As part of the protest, LDF activists held a demonstration at various locations in Kasaragod town. Party leaders said the issue could trigger further political debate between the State and the Centre in the coming days.