The establishment of Kerala’s inaugural deep-water transshipment port has ignited a heated verbal exchange between the state’s dominant political party, the CPI(M), and the opposition party, the Congress, concerning the project’s inception and significance in the state’s infrastructural endeavors.
The birthing of a cargo vessel at the under-development Vizhinjam International Seaport Project heralded as the nation’s first deep-water transshipment port, has ignited a contentious debate between the ruling CPI(M) party and the Opposition Congress in Kerala, with the focal point being the project’s origins. In the previous week, the project-specific ship named Zhen Hua 15 was called at Vizhinjam Port situated near Thiruvananthapuram. The Hong Kong-flagged vessel carried ship-to-shore cranes for future use, symbolising the port’s readiness to accommodate larger vessels. This multipurpose seaport endeavor, valued at Rs 7,600 crores, is being executed by Adani Ports and SEZ Private Limited under a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model, with the initial phase slated for operation in December 2024.
A significant milestone has been completed as the heavy load carrier ship 'Zhen Hua 15' docked at Vizhinjam International Seaport. Destined to be a global cargo transshipment hub, the port promises to invigorate our efforts to propel Kerala towards immense growth. pic.twitter.com/7AON3ORSze
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) October 15, 2023
The Deal with Adani Group
In 2015, when the state’s Congress government signed a deal with the Adani Group, the CPI(M), which was then in opposition, objected to the agreement because it was with the only bidder. The party at the time referred to it as a land scam that would negatively impact the livelihood of fisher-folk. In this context, the Congress criticised the ruling party just before a formal event scheduled for Sunday to commemorate the maiden ship’s arrival at the port. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal are expected to attend the event as dignitaries.
The Government Vs. Opposition
The establishment of the Vizhinjam International Seaport Project in Kerala has been a point of contention between the ruling CPI(M) and the opposition Congress. The political parties’ differing views on this project reflect broader ideological and policy differences.
The opposition leader VD Satheesan of the Congress said the Vizhinjam port would stand as a testament to the willpower of the late Oommen Chandy, former chief minister and Congress leader. “We are happy that the project is getting ready. When the Chandy government in 2015 inked the deal with Adani for the project, Vijayan had then alleged that it was a land scam. Later, the Vijayan government ordered a judicial probe into it. But nothing emerged out of the probe. The Vijayan government had even torpedoed the rehabilitation package for the fisherman,” he added.
However, CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan said on Saturday that the seaport was a success story of the LDF government. “The port will speed up the overall growth of the state. The CPI(M) and the LDF will conduct celebrations across Kerala at the local level on Sunday to mark the docking of the vessel,” he said. He maintained that “the Left has been of the stand that the port is essential for Kerala’s Development.”
For the CPI(M), which currently holds power, the seaport project represents an opportunity for economic development and growth in the state. They view it as a success story of their government’s tenure, emphasising its potential to contribute to the state’s overall progress. The project aligns with their vision for Kerala’s development.
The inaugural vessel 'Zhen Hua 15' is set to dock at Vizhinjam International Port, India's premier mother port, on October 15th. Boasting container transhipment capabilities and proximity to major shipping routes, it's a game-changer for Kerala's infrastructure and development.… pic.twitter.com/0lOVn5EsiU
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) October 14, 2023
On the other hand, the Congress, as the opposition, has criticised the project’s inception, particularly the way the deal was signed with the Adani Group during their own government’s tenure. They’ve expressed concerns about issues like potential land scams and the impact on the livelihood of fisher-folk. This development highlights the political divide in the state, with the opposition using the project’s history to question the ruling party’s actions.
