A sharp verbal exchange was seen in the Kerala Assembly on Tuesday over the Vizhinjam international seaport after senior CPI(M) leader K N Balagopal accused the Congress-led UDF of opposing the project during protests by local residents. Participating in the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s policy address, Balagopal alleged that the Opposition had sought to stop the construction of the multi-crore port project, citing the agitation of the locals.
The former Finance Minister specifically referred to Kovalam MLA M Vincent and said those who are now speaking in favour of the project had earlier demanded that its construction be stopped.
“Everyone remembers that those, including Vincent, who now move the Motion of Thanks, had demanded that the Vizhinjam port project be stopped in view of the agitation there,” Balagopal claimed. He further alleged that the Congress-led UDF had adopted an obstructionist approach not only towards the Vizhinjam project but also towards major infrastructure initiatives such as the Wayanad tunnel road, K-Rail, and four-lane and six-lane road expansion projects.
“Has the Opposition done anything other than oppose?” he asked, adding that the government had moved forward by carrying all sections of society along.
Balagopal’s remarks triggered a sharp response from Vincent, who categorically denied ever demanding that the Vizhinjam port project be stopped.
“Neither inside this Assembly nor outside have I ever said that the Vizhinjam port construction should be stopped. The Assembly records can be examined,” Vincent said, adding, “If it is proved that I made such a statement, I am ready to quit public life. If not, is Balagopal prepared to do the same?”
Vincent also demanded that the remarks against him be expunged from the Assembly records.
The deep-water port was developed under a public-private partnership by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ).
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