Vizhinjam Share Transfer: Chief Minister’s Claims Are Baseless; Opposition Leader Writes Letter Raising Concerns

Thiruvananthapuram: Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has accused Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan of making baseless allegations instead of responding factually to the serious concerns he raised over the proposed share transfer at Vizhinjam International Seaport. In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Pinarayi said the government was attempting to divert attention from the substantive issues.

Pinarayi urged the Chief Minister not to ignore the fact that, under the concession agreement, the Adani Group has only the right to operate and maintain the Vizhinjam Port project, while ownership of the port remains entirely with the Kerala government. He alleged that the Chief Minister was trying to evade responsibility by creating the impression that the government has no stake in the concessionaire company. He also called on Satheesan to unequivocally declare that the government would protect the port from being handed over to corporate interests.

The Opposition Leader further stated that linking the 2025 Vizhinjam Conclave to the ongoing controversy over the proposed share transfer was a malicious attempt to mislead the public. He said the conclave, organised by the LDF government in Thiruvananthapuram, was intended to discuss the operational efficiency of the port and industrial development. According to Pinarayi, a review of the Port Department's files would show that no discussions regarding the Adani Group's share transfer took place during the tenure of the previous LDF government. In light of these facts, he said, it was inappropriate for a Chief Minister to rely on speculation and rumours.

Referring to Clause 5.9 of the concession agreement, Pinarayi said there are legal restrictions on transferring shares in the Vizhinjam project to a company that holds equity in another port within a 250-kilometre radius. He alleged that the Adani Group's move involving MSC, which has full ownership of the Tuticorin Port terminal, amounted to a violation of the agreement. Despite this, he said, the government had failed to adopt a clear position and was instead attempting to shift the blame onto the previous administration.

He also questioned the government's silence after the Adani Group communicated with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) without obtaining prior approval from the state government. According to Pinarayi, the delay in issuing government orders and the lack of action despite pointing out this serious procedural lapse have raised significant doubts.

Pinarayi also referred to Clause 5.8.1 of the concession agreement, which requires the concessionaire to ensure non-discriminatory access to the Vizhinjam Port for all users. He said it is the government's responsibility to ensure that the private operator strictly complies with these contractual obligations. He cautioned the government against granting undue concessions to the company at the expense of the state's interests and said any negative approach by port operators toward the presence of the armed forces, particularly where national security is concerned, should be viewed with utmost seriousness.

Reiterating that Vizhinjam Port is an asset belonging to the people of Keralam, Pinarayi said it must be protected from falling under the control of corporate monopolies. He urged the government to strictly enforce the provisions of the concession agreement and take strong action against any contractual violations by the Adani Group. While affirming his support for development initiatives, he said he would strongly oppose any move that undermines the interests of the state.