Fri May 02 10:39:58 UTC 2025: ## Modi Inaugurates Vizhinjam Seaport, Sparking Political Row
**Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala –** Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, an event marked by both celebration and political sparring. The ceremony was attended by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, a fact Modi highlighted, claiming their presence would cause “sleepless nights” for many. While a translation error initially muddied the message, Modi later clarified his remark.
Modi touted India’s growing maritime prowess, noting the country’s position among the top three globally in the number of seafarers and a doubling of port capacity in the last decade. He also emphasized improvements in port efficiency and turnaround time.
However, the Prime Minister’s comments ignited a political firestorm. The Congress party criticized Modi’s remarks, particularly in light of a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal accused Modi of prioritizing distractions over addressing the real threat posed by Pakistan and alleged that the Prime Minister’s focus was on appeasing business tycoon Gautam Adani. Venugopal vowed that the Congress would continue to hold Modi accountable for various issues, including the Pahalgam attack and the lack of a caste census. The ensuing political debate overshadowed the significance of the newly commissioned seaport.
First Piper 