The Vizhinjam Port Inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2, 2025, turned into a politically charged event in Kerala, with cross-party leaders sharing the stage and trading subtle barbs.
Thiruvananthapuram, May 2, 2025 – The official commissioning of the Vizhinjam International Seaport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned into a politically charged event, drawing attention to both national and state-level dynamics.
PM Modi shared the stage with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor — both key figures of the INDIA bloc. While acknowledging their presence, Modi quipped, “It might make some quarters uncomfortable,” hinting at divisions within the Congress-led opposition. He also jokingly pointed out that the translator missed the political undertone in his remark.
Modi’s Swipe at Opposition and Praise for Public-Private Partnership
During the event, Modi also seized on a comment by Kerala Fisheries Minister V.N. Vasavan, who had referred to the Adani Group as a “partner” in the port project. Modi noted the irony of a Communist government aligning with a private company and used the moment to reinforce the importance of public-private partnerships.
In what seemed like a subtle counter to criticism that the Centre favored the Adani Group, Modi emphasized that such collaborations are essential for national development.
Cultural and Religious References
Modi opened his speech by expressing reverence for Kerala’s cultural heritage. He mentioned the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple and noted that the day coincided with Adi Sankara Jayanthi, celebrating the birth of the 8th-century Hindu philosopher from Kerala.
In a region with a significant Latin Catholic population, Modi also paid tribute to the late Pope Francis and acknowledged the historical arrival of St. Thomas, one of Jesus’ 12 Apostles, in Kerala.
Vijayan Highlights State’s Contribution
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan used the national stage to underscore Kerala’s significant financial role in the Vizhinjam project. He stated that the State had borne 60% of the project’s cost, while the Centre contributed only a repayable viability gap funding. Vijayan appeared to counter claims from both the BJP and Congress that the LDF government was trying to take undue credit for a Central initiative.
Tense Moments and Accusations of Political Hijacking
The inauguration also saw some awkward scenes. Kerala Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas criticized the presence of BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar on stage, calling it “undemocratic.”
Riyas alleged that Chandrasekhar had tried to politicize the event by sitting on stage early and encouraging BJP supporters’ sloganeering. “Ministers are sitting with the audience while BJP leaders turn a national event into party theatre,” he said, accusing the BJP of attempting to steal the limelight from an event of national importance.
