PM Modi Inaugurates Vizhinjam Port in Kerala; Taunts Opposition
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) – Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first deep-sea transhipment port in Vizhinjam, a coastal city in Kerala, on Friday. During his speech, he subtly attacked the opposition, stating, "This event will disturb the sleep of many." He further added, "The message has reached where it needed to."
Vizhinjam International Port: An ₹8800 Crore Investment
Developed at a cost of ₹8800 crore (approximately $1 billion USD), the Vizhinjam Port is India's first port capable of handling large transhipment container vessels. PM Modi highlighted that India will no longer be dependent on foreign ports for transhipment. Previously, 75% of India's transhipment activities occurred in foreign ports, resulting in revenue loss for the nation. This situation is now poised to change.
PM Modi Targets Congress and the INDIA Alliance
While not directly naming Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, PM Modi subtly criticized him in his address. He reiterated that the event's message had reached its intended destination. Gesturing towards Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who were present on the dais, he remarked, "CM Vijayan is here, Tharoor is also here – key pillars of the INDIA alliance. Today's event sends a clear message to them as well."
Mention of the Adani Group: "A Better Port in Kerala than Gujarat"
PM Modi also praised the Adani Group, the developers of the Vizhinjam Port project. He stated, "The magnificent port Adani has built in Kerala is better than any port in Gujarat." This underscores the Prime Minister's emphasis on private sector participation.
A Message of Nation-Building on Adi Shankaracharya's Jayanti
Coinciding with Adi Shankaracharya's Jayanti, PM Modi paid homage to the philosopher, stating, "Adi Shankaracharya united all of India through a spiritual thread and awakened the nation's consciousness. His teachings remain relevant today."
