Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday opened the first phase of the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram. The ceremony, attended by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, provided Modi with the opportunity to make a political dig at the INDIA bloc.
Modi Shares Stage With INDIA Bloc Leaders, Makes Witty Remark
With both Opposition leaders by his side, PM Modi couldn’t help but make a veiled comment, “I want to tell the Chief Minister (Pinarayi Vijayan), you are a strong pillar of the INDI alliance, Shashi Tharoor is also sitting here,” he said with a smile. He also added, “Today’s event is going to disturb the sleep of many.”
Kerala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “I would also like to say to the Chief Minister, you are a very strong pillar of the INDI alliance. Shashi Tharoor is also seated here. And today’s event is going to leave many people sleepless…” pic.twitter.com/0OX0JMrv4P
— IANS (@ians_india) May 2, 2025
The comments, even facetiously, betrayed the underlying political strains, particularly since the project has been constructed by the Adani Group — a common target of the INDIA bloc for charges of crony capitalism.
Mixed Signals by Shashi Tharoor Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections
Shashi Tharoor, who is the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency, has recently volunteered admiration for the Modi government on a string of foreign policy moves, including India’s approach to the Russia-Ukraine war and diplomatic outreach to former US President Donald Trump.
Tharoor’s perceived bipartisan tone prompted BJP’s Kerala unit president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who had previously contested against him, to describe him as “one of the few sane voices in Congress.” Chandrasekhar also attended the inauguration along with Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas and several state ministers.
Adani’s Mega Port Project Commissioned
PM Modi formally inaugurated the project with Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani and other officials. The port, developed at an estimated cost of ₹8,867 crore, has been created by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) through a public-private partnership.
The port was awarded its commercial commissioning certificate on December 4, 2024. As a deep-water transshipment hub, Vizhinjam will likely increase India’s contribution to world maritime trade and cut down reliance on overseas ports for handling cargo.
Welcome of Shashi Tharoor and Delhi Airport Jibe
Earlier today, Tharoor greeted PM Modi in Kerala and shared photos on X, observing that he “managed to land in time” after there were delays at the “dysfunctional Delhi airport.” He credited his punctual arrival to luck and changing flight routes, while taking a jab at airport operations.
Despite delays at the dysfunctional Delhi airport, managed to land in Thiruvananthapuram in time to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival in my constituency. Looking forward to his officially commissioning Vizhinjam port, a project I have been proud to have been… pic.twitter.com/OoGHeS0Gbe
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 1, 2025
DIAL had on Wednesday issued an advisory regarding wind pattern changes and runway closure, which resulted in a number of delays, although not on Thursday.
Tharoor also took pride in the port project, saying he has been “proudly” involved since its beginning.
