Fri May 02 08:51:15 UTC 2025: ## Modi Inaugurates Vizhinjam Port Amidst Political Undercurrents

**Thiruvananthapuram, May 2, 2025** – The inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Seaport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today was marked by a blend of national pride and pointed political maneuvering. While Modi lauded the project as a symbol of India’s development, his remarks subtly targeted the opposition Congress party. He highlighted the presence of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and MP Shashi Tharoor, both prominent members of the INDIA bloc, on the stage, suggesting this might cause discomfort for some. He further used Fisheries Minister V.N. Vasavan’s description of Adani Ports as a “partner” in the project to subtly counter Congress criticism of the government’s alleged favoritism towards the Adani Group. Modi emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in national development.

The event also saw Kerala Chief Minister Vijayan emphasize the state’s significant financial contribution to the project (60% of the cost), aiming to deflect BJP and Congress claims that the LDF government was falsely claiming credit. He presented the LDF government as the driving force behind the port’s realization. Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, however, criticized the presence of BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar at the event, accusing him of attempting to turn the state function into a BJP political rally. Riyas condemned Chandrasekhar’s actions as “undemocratic” and “absurd political theatre”.

Despite the political sparring, the inauguration of the Vizhinjam port marks a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development. Modi’s speech also included references to local history and religious figures, acknowledging the significance of the location and its cultural heritage. The event concluded with Modi’s “Jai Bharat and Jai Keralam” salute, suggesting a collaborative approach between the central and state governments on development issues.

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