Kerala CM expected to visit UAE this month

Senior officials of Kerala yesterday said that the chief minister of the flood-hit Indian state has proposed to visit the UAE to seek partnerships with Indian expats, especially Malayalis, in projects to rebuild Kerala.

A section of the Indian media yesterday reported that the chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other ministers will be visiting foreign countries, where the population of Keralites is high, to raise funds for the redevelopment of the areas hit by floods in mid-August.

Vijayan was reportedly scheduled to visit Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah from October 18 to 20.

Speaking to Gulf News from Kerala by phone, two senior officials clarified that the proposed visit is scheduled from October 17 to 21, the first and last dates being the days of arrival and return.

Officials also confirmed that some expats have plans to adopt villages and schools in flood-hit areas, which will be further discussed during the CM’s visit.

“He [Vijayan] is coming to discuss and explore the investment opportunities and involvement of expat Malayalis in various projects to rebuild Kerala,” said Vijayan’s political secretary and former state legislator M.V. Jayarajan.