Kochi Metro launch: After uproar, E Sreedharan's name added to dignitaries lists, to share dais with PM Modi

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Thursday informed the Kerala Chief Minister's Office (CMO) that the name of 'Metro man' E Sreedharan has been included in the list of dignitaries who will share the stage with Narendra Modi during the Kochi Metro inauguration on June 17.

"PMO informs Kerala CMO that names of Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala and 'metro man' E Sreedharan has been included for Kochi metro inauguration," reported ANI.

The development comes after E Sreedharan said that the Prime Minister's security was important and he was not disappointed over his name being missing from the list.

"Don't make it into a controversy. Security of PM is important, must follow what security agency says," E Sreedharan had said while inspecting the newly constructed Kochi Metro train station on Thursday.

Earlier, the list of persons who will be on the dais included only the prime minister, governor, chief minister, Union minister Venkaiah Naidu, K  Thomas, MP, state minister Thomas Chandy and Mayor Saumini Jain.

On Wednesday, the state government had asked the PMO to accommodate three more dignitaries, including DMRC Principal Advisor, E Sreedharan.

The government also wanted the prime minister's office (PMO) to include names of the Opposition Leader in the State Assembly Ramesh Chennithala and PT Thomas, local MLA, in the list.