Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan on Wednesday strongly dismissed the CPM’s claims that the proposed 49% stake transfer of the Vizhinjam Seaport project to the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) involved a corrupt “big deal.”
Addressing a press conference here after the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Satheesan clarified that no final decision has been made regarding the share transfer by Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd (AVPPL) to the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), noting that an Empowered Committee led by the Chief Secretary is currently reviewing the matter. Turning the tables on the Opposition, Satheesan accused the previous LDF administration of corruption, alleging they waived Rs 219 crore penalty that Adani Port was legally obligated to pay due to project completion delays.
Chief Minister Satheesan stated that the previous Pinarayi Vijayan-led administration systematically waived every single rupee of this compensation across two distinct stages.
He questioned the previous LDF government’s actions, noting that the project was originally due for completion in 2019 under the concession agreement. When that deadline was missed, the contract should have expired in 2024. Instead, the agreement was amended to grant a five-year extension, pushing the total concession period from 40 to 45 years.
Furthermore, Satheesan claimed that the previous administration waived the entire penalty for the delay. According to the agreement, a daily fine of Rs. 12 lakh applies to delays. Over the five-year delay (1,825 days), this penalty totaled Rs.219 crore, all of which the previous LDF government waived in two separate stages, the CM said
He clarified that his government has not yet approved the share transfer. The issue is currently being reviewed by an Empowered Committee headed by the Chief Secretary to ensure Kerala’s economic and state interests are protected
Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd (AVPPL) proposed transferring a 49% stake to the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). Leader of the Opposition and former CM Pinarayi Vijayan accused the current United Democratic Front (UDF) government of maintaining an “ambiguous” stance regarding the proposed transfer and of making baseless allegations.
Chief Minister Satheesan firmly rejected allegations that his recent visit to the Kollur Mookambika temple in Karnataka indicates a leaning toward “soft Hindutva.”
He clarified that his relationship with the temple spans nearly four decades, making any political labeling completely groundless.
“I have been going to Mookambika temple for the last 37 years. I am a devotee of Kollur Mookambika. I am very happy to say that,” he said.
Chief Minister Satheesan refuted claims that he rejected a meeting request from leaders of the Nair Service Society (NSS), an organization of the Nair community that has maintained a hard stand against him before he became the CM.
Satheesan specifically denied snubbing NSS General Secretary G. Sukumaran Nair, clarifying that reports of a scheduling refusal are entirely false
He explained: Sukumaran Nair had initially contacted his private secretary while the Chief Minister was occupied with state budget preparations. “Upon learning of the call, I immediately telephoned the NSS leader back,” CM Satheesan said.