Thiruvananthapuram:
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was given a rousing welcome by BJP workers in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, where he arrived today for a five-hour visit to attend a jubilee function at Sree Narayana Mutt at nearby Sivagiri.
Ignoring the multi-layer security at the airport, Mr Modi walked over and greeted the party workers who had converged in large numbers.
His visit is marked by controversies with the Left attacking the authorities for inviting Mr Modi to an important function of the Mutt, dedicated to the ideals of 20th century saint-reformer Sree Naryana Guru who preached the message of unity of humanity.
Congress also decided to stay away from the function on the ground that the party is stiffly opposed to his ideals and the development model he has been implementing in Gujarat.
Recently, Mr Modi's meeting with Labour Minister and RSP(B) leader also sparked a controversy with Congress leaders, who said it should have been avoided.
BJP state president V Muraleedharan, Tamil Nadu unit president Pon Radhakrishnan and national secretary M K Krishnadas were among the leaders who received him at the airport.