Vizhinjam project: Govt denies report on Cong high command intervention

Thiruvananthapuram: Congress-led UDF government Tuesday denied reports that the party high command had expressed displeasure over its decision to award the Rs 7,000 crore Vizhinjam Deep sea International Terminal project contract to Adani ports, which is reportedly close to BJP top leadership.

Such reports are baseless and the government has not discussed the Vizhinjam project with the Congress High Command, Minister for Ports K Babu said in a statement here.

"Further steps with regard to the project will be taken after completing necessary procedures," he said.

Though the cabinet had formally decided to award the contract to Adani, the sole bidder for the project, matters on signing of MoU had been deferred due to the Aruvikkara by-poll held on June 27.

Media reports had stated that Congress was not happy with the ruling Front for awarding the port contract to the Adani group, which is reportedly close to BJP top leadership.

CPI(M) State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said the government's decision to go ahead with the project without informing Congress central leadership was 'mysterious'.

Earlier, overruling the CPI(M) led LDF Opposition objection in awarding the project to Adani, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had made it clear there was no going back on its decision.

The government was of the view that it was the last chance for the state to ensure the project became a reality, Chandy had stated.

The CM's statement came in the wake of Union Shipping Minister making it clear if political differences over awarding the project to Adani were not resolved, the project might be moved to Tamil Nadu.

The neighbouring state has been demanding a similar project at Colachel.