The long-awaited inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Transshipment Container Port in Kerala on Friday ignited a fierce political credit battle between the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) and the Congress party. While Congress leaders asserted their role in the seaport project, highlighting that it was initiated under Oommen Chandy's leadership in 2015 through an agreement with Adani Ports during a global tendering process, CPI(M) contended that the project's realization was due to the perseverance of Vijayan's government.
VD Satheesan, Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, emphasised the party's long-term commitment to the project. “The Vizhinjam Port is a reality, and it will be commissioned in six months. The opposition is celebrating this day because it is our 'baby'. We started this project in 1991 when K Karunakaran was the CM,” he stated, adding that despite multiple efforts, the project faced delays and was finally initiated in 2015 under Congress leadership.
Satheesan criticized the current CPI(M)-led government for not recognizing the Congress’s efforts and accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's administration of claiming undue credit. He also noted the government's failure to invite him to the inauguration ceremony, despite his role as the Leader of the Opposition.
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The CPI(M), on the other hand, argued that it was the perseverance of Vijayan's government that saw the project through, despite facing massive protests against the port's construction. Ports Minister VN Vasavan highlighted that key Congress figures such as Shashi Tharoor, Thiruvananthapuram MP, and MLA Vincent were invited to the inauguration event, countering claims of exclusion.
The ruling party also accused Congress of initially supporting the protests that sought to halt the project. This accusation further fueled the political friction surrounding the port's completion and the credit for its realization.