Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks spotlighting a shift in the Communist Party’s approach have sparked discussion, particularly in the context of Kerala. Speaking at the grand inauguration of the Vizhinjam port, Modi drew attention to a statement made by Kerala’s Ports Minister V.N. Vasavan, who was the welcome speaker at the inauguration ceremony.
Minister Vasavan praised the construction of the Vizhinjam port by Adani Group, referring to Adani as a “partner” of the government. Quoting Vasavan, Modi remarked, “Our Port Minister said about Adani, ‘Hamara sarkar ka partner…’ Have you ever heard a Communist Minister praise Adani?” He added that Vasavan had acknowledged “how efficiently Adani had executed the project”, and noted, “The Left too has now embraced private partnership.” Modi continued ” A statement like that, acknowledging the private sector as a partner of the government, coming from a Communist government minister…that reflects the new face of a changing Bharat”.
Modi used the occasion to underline the importance of private investment in driving Bharat’s development. After his address, he walked over to Vasavan, warmly shaking his hand and engaging in a more personal conversation than he did with any other dignitary on stage. The Prime Minister’s comments come against the backdrop of the Communist Party of India (Marxist)’s longstanding opposition to the Vizhinjam port project and to the Adani Group’s involvement. Notably, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, during his tenure as the CPI(M) state secretary, had once criticised the project as a “Rs 6,000 crore scam” and a “land grab.” Modi’s reference to Adani as a “partner” is being interpreted as a pointed remark on this apparent ideological shift. The CPI(M) has historically led protests against private industrial projects, often citing labour rights, which has earned the state a reputation for industrial unrest and contributed to high unemployment rates.
Commissioning the Vizhinjam port project, Prime Minister Modi hailed it as a milestone for both Kerala and the nation. He emphasised that the port would retain financial flows within the country, fostering economic stability. “Bharat’s port cities will be key hubs in the vision of a developed Bharat,” he said, adding that the project was made possible through collaboration between the Central and State governments.
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