Political Slugfest at Vizhinjam Phase-II Launch Parties Claim Credit for Mega Port Project
Leaders from CPI(M), Congress and BJP trade barbs over Vizhinjam port’s success and funding.
The inauguration of Phase-II construction at Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday turned into a political battleground as major fronts vied to claim ownership of Kerala’s ambitious deep-water transshipment hub. While the event marked a significant milestone for the port’s expansion, speeches by top leaders highlighted contrasting narratives on funding, leadership and progress.
General Education Minister V Sivankutty, delivering the welcome address, criticised the Central government for inadequate support. He pointed out that Thoothukkudi Outer Harbour received Rs 1,411 crore as a grant, whereas Vizhinjam was allocated only Rs 817.80 crore as a repayable loan with interest—potentially burdening the state with Rs 10,000-12,000 crore in repayments. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, however, maintained a relatively measured tone compared to his sharper remarks during the Phase-I commissioning.
Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan credited late Congress Chief Minister Oommen Chandy as the “sculptor” of the Vizhinjam project. He lamented delays in配套 infrastructure like the outer ring road and land acquisition. Adani Ports MD Karan Adani reinforced this by first thanking Oommen Chandy in his speech. Kovalam MLA M Vincent echoed calls for faster hinterland development to maximise the port’s potential.
Also Read: Kerala Vizhinjam Port Phase 2 Launched; Adani to Invest ₹16,000 Crore
Finance Minister K N Balagopal countered by emphasising the state’s major contribution—62 paise of every rupee spent—followed by 28 paise from the Adani Group and just 10 paise from the Centre. He urged remembering all chief ministers involved, including E K Nayanar and V S Achuthanandan. Rajya Sabha MP A A Rahim highlighted the role of the continuing Pinarayi Vijayan government in pushing the project to completion.
BJP representatives, including Union Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Mayor V V Rajesh, attributed the port’s momentum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. Sonowal praised nationwide progress in land, sea and air under Modi’s leadership, while Rajesh predicted Vizhinjam could transform Thiruvananthapuram into South India’s financial capital, akin to Mumbai’s port legacy.
The event, attended by key dignitaries including Karan Adani, underscored Vizhinjam’s strategic importance even as political credit-sharing dominated the discourse.
Also Read: Kerala Vizhinjam Port Phase 2 Launched; Adani to Invest ₹16,000 Crore
