THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A major protocol dispute erupted at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after the Kerala Chief Secretary, Dr. A. Jayathilak, and his team were allegedly denied access to the VIP room by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel on security duty. The incident occurred while the senior officials were waiting to receive the visiting Vice President of India.
The high-ranking state delegation, including the Chief Secretary, arrived at the airport as part of the official contingent for the Vice President’s reception ceremony. In line with established protocol, officials requested the CRPF, who were managing the security arrangements, to open the VIP waiting room.
However, the CRPF members reportedly refused to grant permission, forcing the Chief Secretary and his accompanying officials to wait outside the facility for a significant period. State protocol traditionally mandates that the VIP room be made available to elected representatives and top officials gathered to receive visiting dignitaries.
The deadlock persisted until moments before Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal, Member of Parliament John Brittas, and Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran arrived at the airport. Only then did the CRPF finally agree to unlock the VIP room.
Following the resolution, the Minister, Mayor, MP, and the state officials proceeded to receive the Vice President.
In a notable turn of events later in the day, when the Vice President returned to the airport after his engagement and was preparing for departure, Chief Secretary Dr. Jayathilak was not present to see him off. Mayor Arya Rajendran was, however, present for the farewell. The initial protocol lapse involving the VIP room has sparked discussions about security mandates and inter-departmental cooperation during high-profile official visits.
