Thiruvananthapuram: CPI(M) State Secretary M V Govindan on Wednesday alleged that Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan was “working for Modi and Adani” in connection with the proposed share transfer in the Vizhinjam International Seaport project.
He raised allegations against Satheesan, linking him to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the business group, after Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone announced that Mediterranean Shipping Company would acquire a 49 per cent stake in Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited for about USD 1.4 billion.
Addressing a press conference here, Govindan alleged that Satheesan was evading questions over the proposed share transfer in the Vizhinjam port project and accused him of attempting to divert attention instead of explaining the Congress-led UDF’s stand.
Govindan claimed that Satheesan’s recent official visits, particularly to Bengaluru, were tied to a secret deal with Adani. He demanded that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi address the Chief Minister’s alleged involvement with the business group.
The controversy erupted after the Adani Group announced a deal to transfer a 49% stake to the Switzerland-based MSC Group, a move the LDF argues violates the concession agreement requiring state approval.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan maintained that the Adani Group did not formally communicate the decision to the state government prior to the public announcement.
The state government responded by forming an empowered committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, to study whether the Adani-SC-Vizhiniam dead protects Kerala’s interests.
Former CM and Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan heavily criticized the government’s handling of the matter and threatened legal and political action. The CPI(M) also alleged that the recent removal of the Port’s Managing Director was a targeted move to benefit Adani.
