Accusing the government of making baseless allegations against the Opposition instead of addressing concerns over the proposed stake sale in Vizhinjam port, Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday urged Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan to clarify the government’s stance on the issue.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, Mr. Vijayan said the government should remember the fact that, under the concession agreement, the Adani Group was responsible only for the operation and maintenance of the port, while ownership of the port was entirely with the Kerala government.

He said instead of claiming that the government had no stake in the concessionaire company, the Chief Minister should state the government’s commitment to protecting the port rather than allowing it to be handed over to corporate interests. He also criticised the Chief Minister for linking the proposed stake transfer with the Vizhinjam conclave.

Mr. Vijayan said the Vizhinjam conclave in 2025 was intended to discuss the port’s viability and industrial growth. A review of the Ports department’s files would show that no discussion on the transfer of Adani Group’s shares took place during the LDF government’s tenure. “It is unbecoming of a Chief Minister to spread speculation and rumours when the facts are clear,” he said.

Citing Clause 5.9 of the concession agreement, Mr. Vijayan said there were legal restrictions on transferring shares to a company holding stake in another port within 250-km radius of Vizhinjam. He alleged that the Adani Group’s proposed deal with MSC, which has rights in the Thoothukudi port, violated the agreement. He also questioned the government’s silence over the Adani Group’s communication to SEBI without prior approval from the State and the delay in issuing related government orders.

Referring to Clause 5.8.1, he said the concessionaire was obligated to ensure non-discriminatory access to the port, and it was the government’s responsibility to enforce this provision.

Stressing that Vizhinjam port is Kerala’s property, Mr. Vijayan demanded strict enforcement of the concession agreement and action against any violations, while reiterating his support for development that safeguards the State’s interests.

Published - July 15, 2026 09:23 pm IST