Politics Beneath the Surface: Modi, Vizhinjam Port, and a Stage Shared With Surprising Allies
PM Modi’s Vizhinjam Port inauguration wasn’t just about logistics—it was a political masterclass. From subtle digs to unexpected camaraderie, here’s the full story behind the port that’s making waves in more ways than one.
The Day Politics and Ports Collided in Kerala
Ever watched a movie where the background music tells a whole different story than the dialogue? That’s kind of what happened during the Vizhinjam Port inauguration in Kerala.
Sure, it was an official event. A celebration of infrastructure. But if you were paying close attention—oh boy, the political undercurrents were hard to miss.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood on stage flanked by two unexpected companions: Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor. Both belong to the INDIA bloc—the very opposition coalition that’s been relentlessly calling out Modi’s BJP-led government.
And yet, here they were, on the same stage, nodding in agreement (well, mostly).
“Private Partners, Communist Praise, and Political Pokes”
Now here’s where things got interesting.
Kerala’s Fisheries Minister V.N. Vasavan, in what sounded like an offhand compliment, mentioned how the state government had “found a partner” in Adani Ports to bring the Vizhinjam dream to life.
Modi didn’t let that one slide. With a smile that said, “Gotcha!”, he quipped about the irony of a Communist government teaming up with a corporate powerhouse. “There’s something new,” he said. “A Left government acknowledging private enterprise?”
Honestly, he wasn’t wrong. In a state where the word “capitalism” often triggers debates over filter coffee in roadside tea shops, this partnership felt like a plot twist. It’s like finding pineapple on your masala dosa—unexpected, maybe controversial, but surprisingly effective.
“Jai Keralam, Jai Bharat” – More Than Just a Greeting
Modi opened his speech with a respectful nod to Kerala’s heritage, invoking the revered Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple and the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya.
It wasn’t just for show.
In politics, timing is everything. And this was Modi saying, “I get you, Kerala. I respect your roots.”
It was also a subtle counter to the narrative that the BJP is distant or disconnected from the state’s pulse. By saying “Jai Keralam,” he wasn’t just being poetic. He was being strategic.
Kerala's CM Strikes Back: “We Paid 60% of the Bill!”
Not one to stay in the background, CM Pinarayi Vijayan used the opportunity to flex a little.
While the Centre may have shown up for the ribbon-cutting, Kerala had picked up most of the tab—60% of it, to be exact.
He also pointed out that the Centre’s contribution came in the form of viability gap funding—financial-speak for a repayable grant that helps make projects bankable. It’s not exactly a donation.
So, Vijayan’s message was clear: “We didn’t piggyback off the Centre. We led this.”
And if you’ve followed Kerala politics, you’ll know that the CM rarely lets an opportunity slide without reinforcing the Left’s role in state development. This time was no exception.
So, What’s the Bigger Picture?
At surface level, Vizhinjam Port is a massive win for India’s logistics and maritime goals. It’s the first deepwater transshipment port in the country and could help India rival ports in Colombo, Dubai, and Singapore.
But zoom out a bit, and it’s also a study in political optics.
You’ve got:
- A BJP PM sharing space with INDIA bloc leaders.
- A Communist CM collaborating with the Adani Group.
- Both sides trying to claim the same project as a “win.”
It’s like watching a relay race where no one wants to let go of the baton.
And honestly? That’s democracy in action—messy, layered, and weirdly entertaining.
Why Should You Care?
Well, beyond the headlines and hashtags, this port has real implications:
- Job creation in southern Kerala.
- Strategic leverage for India in global trade.
- A potential boost to local tourism and allied sectors.
And maybe, just maybe, it’s a sign that collaboration—however grudging—can happen even in our hyper-polarized political climate.
That’s kind of hopeful, right?
Quick FAQ: Vizhinjam Port & Political Buzz
Q: What is Vizhinjam Port, and why is it important? A: Vizhinjam is India’s first deepwater transshipment port. It allows large container ships to dock directly, reducing India’s dependence on foreign ports like Colombo or Singapore.
Q: Why was the inauguration politically significant? A: PM Modi shared the stage with INDIA bloc leaders, signaling rare public collaboration. His remarks subtly addressed criticism around the Centre’s ties with Adani.
Q: Did the Central Government fully fund the port? A: No. Kerala claims it bore 60% of the cost. The Centre provided viability gap funding, which is a repayable financial support mechanism.
Q: Is Adani Ports a partner in this project? A: Yes, Adani Ports is a key partner in developing and operating Vizhinjam Port.
