A Political Jab from PM Modi at the Vizhinjam International Seaport Inauguration
"Prime Minister Modi takes a jab at the INDI alliance, potentially disrupting the sleep of many, while sharing a stage with Shashi Tharoor"
In a tactical move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the opportunity during the grand opening of the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala to make a pointed comment about the Congress party. With Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Thiruvananthapuram Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in attendance, Modi noted the presence of two prominent INDIA bloc leaders and antagonistically quipped, "I want to tell CM, you are a strong pillar of the INDI alliance, Shashi Tharoor is also sitting here. Today's event is going to disturb the sleep of many."
Recently, Tharoor has found himself at the center of internal friction within the Congress's Kerala unit, and his interactions with the Central Government have been contentious. For example, he faced criticism within his party when he expressed support for Kerala's start-up boom, which some saw as aligned with the pro-business policies of the BJP-led administration. However, Tharoor later clarified that his praise was aimed at the state's entrepreneurial progress, not the CPM-led government.
Tharoor's attendance at the Vizhinjam International Seaport event was significant given his history of occasionally aligning with the BJP on various issues. This, combined with his presence alongside Modi and Vijayan, painted a complex political picture, emblematic of the ongoing tensions within the INDI alliance.
The Vizhinjam International Seaport, developed under a public-private partnership by Adani Ports, symbolizes a major infrastructure milestone for India. The port, completed at an estimated cost of ₹8,867 crore, is expected to substantially boost India's presence in global maritime trade. Highlighting the strategic importance of the project, Modi stated, "Until now, 75% of India's transshipment was handled by foreign ports, leading to a significant revenue loss for the country." Now, that money will benefit our own nation."
This sharp jab by Prime Minister Modi reflects his strategy of exploiting opposition fragmentation during significant policy milestones. By emphasizing the conflicting interests within the INDI alliance, Modi seeks to discredit the opposition and leverage these divisions for political gain.
Vizhinjam International SeaportLocated in Thiruvananthapuram district, the Vizhinjam International Seaport signifies a significant leap forward in India's maritime trade. Developed by Adani Ports, the project is expected to bring about substantial growth and economic benefits for the country.
References[1] India Today, (2023, July 10). Shashi Tharoor lauds Modi government’s foreign policy initiatives, suffers backlash from Congress. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/shashi-tharoor-praises-modi-government-suffers-backlash-from-congrees-1915726-2023-07-10
[2] The Hindu, (2023, May 2). Vizhinjam International Seaport completed, to be commercially commissioned next week. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/vizhinjam-international-seaport-completed-to-be-commercially-commissioned-next-week/article65022901.ece
[3] The Times of India, (2023, April 24). Shashi Tharoor missing in action again as Congress skips crucial meetings. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/shashi-tharoor-missing-in-action-again-as-congress-skips-crucial-meetings/articleshowprint/99085093.cms
[4] The Print, (2023, May 2). Narendra Modi slams Congress at Vizhinjam Port inauguration, says the event will disturb rivals' sleep. Retrieved from https://theprint.in/politics/narendra-modi-takes-dig-at-congress-at-vizhinjam-port-inauguration-says-event-will-disturb-rivals-sleep/1070418/
[5] The Indian Express, (2023, May 2). Vizhinjam seaport: Narendra Modi takes a jibe at Congress at its own event, strikes a blow in political war. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/education/school/vizhinjam-seaport-narendra-modi-takes-a-jibe-at-congress-at-its-own-event-strikes-a-blow-in-political-war-9739135/
- The Vizhinjam International Seaport, a project by Adani Ports, has been a significant point of political debate, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi using its inauguration to deliver a tactical comment about the Congress party.
- Shashi Tharoor, the Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, found himself in the middle of this political jab, given his history of occasionally aligning with the BJP on various issues.
- In a complex political landscape, Tharoor's attendance at the event alongside Modi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, symbolized the ongoing tensions within the INDI alliance.
- The Vizhinjam International Seaport, completed at an estimated cost of ₹8,867 crore, is set to boost India's presence in global maritime trade, potentially substantial revenue losses for the country due to relying on foreign ports for 75% of transshipment being alleviated.
- The finance and defense industries are keenly watching this development as part of the overall policy and legislative framework, understanding its potential impact on war-and-conflicts and the general news landscape.
- Meanwhile, crime-and-justice sectors are monitoring the implications for Kerala's start-up boom, where Tharoor previously expressed support, which some saw as aligning with the pro-business policies of the BJP-led administration.
