Kochi: In Kerala, a heated dispute has erupted between the CPI(M) and the opposition Congress party concerning the credit for the Vizhinjam International Seaport project. The CPI(M) firmly rejected the Congress' assertion that former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy deserved recognition for the project's success, asserting that it was the Left government that initiated and realized the endeavor.
MV Govindan, the Secretary of the Kerala unit of the CPI(M), pointed out that the Congress had initially opposed the port project and sought to halt its progress. In contrast, the Left government remained steadfast in its commitment to bring the project to fruition. Earlier, Leader of the Opposition, VD Satheesan, attributed the project's success to Chandy rather than Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The Congress has even proposed naming the port after the late former Chief Minister, who passed away in July.
In response to the Congress' claims, Govindan emphasized, "It was EK Nayanar, the former Left Chief Minister, who envisioned the port 30 years ago. Later, VS Achuthanandan carried it forward. The UDF (Congress-led United Democratic Front) government did not even implement it properly." Govindan went on to allege that the UDF had effectively sabotaged the project by entering into an agreement with the Adani Group, with an aim to profit from the port. Under this agreement, he stated, "Kerala will receive only one percent of the profit from the port operations, and that too, after 15 years. The government missed the opportunity to operate the port."
He further claimed that the UDF had yielded to pressure from the BJP-led central government in making this agreement with the Adani Group. The Vizhinjam port project is seen as a significant milestone in the state's development, according to Govindan. The ongoing debate underscores the complexities and differences within the political landscape of Kerala.
This dispute also follows earlier allegations by Congress leader Satheesan, who claimed that the CPI(M) had "sabotaged" the rehabilitation package announced for fishermen by the Chandy government as part of the Vizhinjam project. The Vizhinjam port is under construction through a public-private partnership model, with the Adani Group as the private partner. Once completed, it is expected to become one of the world's largest ports. However, the project has faced numerous delays, primarily related to land acquisition issues.
The port's development has not been without controversy, with local fishermen protesting against the project, fearing it would adversely impact their livelihoods. On Thursday, the first ship, carrying cranes from China, arrived at the port, marking a significant step in the port's construction.
Asaduddin Owaisi Urges PM Modi to Extend Support to 'Gaza' Amidst Israel-Hamas Conflict
Israel Gears Up to Counter Hamas in Gaza, Readies Multi-Front Assault
