Political battle over Vizhinjam port credit flares ahead of PM Modi’s inauguration

Political tug-of-war over Vizhinjam port credit continues as PM Modi commissions first dedicated transshipment port in India.

The political tug-of-over over claiming credit for the realisation of the Vizhinjam International Seaport continued to rage on, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioning the country’s first dedicated transshipment port on Friday (May 2, 2025).

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, who opted out of the ceremony, shared a video of former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s speech made in the Kerala Assembly on the Vizhinjam port on June 8, 2015.

His Facebook post read: “Oommen Chandy is no longer with us. Yet, he lives on in the hearts of the people as a chapter of history that cannot be erased. Those who deliberately try to forget or rewrite history are the ones who fear even the memories of Oommen Chandy. Wishing all the best to the Vizhinjam Port.”

He had accused the Left Democratic Front (LDF)-led State government of making attempts to erase the legacy of Oommen Chandy.

In his Assembly speech, Chandy declared the long-cherished dream of the Vizhinjam port was finally becoming a reality. He emphasised that the project would advance while safeguarding the interests of the State.

“We welcome any constructive criticism,” he had stated. “However, the Opposition’s efforts to derail the project by making allegations of corruption will not succeed.”

Earlier in the day, Congress leader M. Vincent, who represents the Kovalam Assembly constituency where the port is located, paid tribute at the tomb of the former Chief Minister in Kottayam. Accompanied by Chandy’s son and fellow MLA Chandy Oommen, Mr. Vincent offered prayers and hailed the late Congress leader as the “father of the Vizhinjam Port”.