‘GST evasion evident’; Govt will recover lost amount in Messi issue,’ says CM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister V D Satheesan said that cargo movement at the Vizhinjam Port will begin on August 18, 2026. This is the first major step through which the benefits of the port will directly reach Kerala, the chief minister said while addressing the press after the cabinet meet. The chief minister said that additional financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each would be provided to the victims of the Mundakkai and Chooralmala disasters.

‘Additional financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each will be given to the beneficiaries included in the Mundakkai-Chooralmala rehabilitation list. A decision has been taken to sign a memorandum of understanding for implementing the PMAY Urban 2 scheme under the Local Self-Government Department. Guidelines have been issued for providing bonuses for the 2025–26 financial year to employees of Kerala’s public-sector undertakings.

Export-import cargo movement from Vizhinjam International Port will commence on August 18, 2026. Until now, only transshipment operations had been taking place here. Around 60% of the containers were from other countries. This is the first major step through which the benefits of the port will directly reach our state.

The customs commissionerate has already issued all the required public notices. A temporary road connecting the port road to the national highway has also been completed. Since there is presently no CFS (Container Freight Station) available in Thiruvananthapuram, a customs-bonded area has been set up within the port itself.

Regarding the permission granted to a private company to enter into an agreement with the Argentine Football Association for Messi to play in Kerala, what were the procedures followed? Neither the market valuation nor the source of the funds was considered. Even the state government was unaware of several aspects of the matter. Many contradictory statements are coming.

It is being claimed that I was involved to shut down a particular institution. I have only just received the report. It is clear that GST evasion took place and it was detected during the tenure of the previous government.

However, for the subsequent seven months, the investigation remained in a situation where it appeared to have been put on hold. After examining all these matters, including this issue, steps will be taken to recover the amount lost by the government. The negligence will also be investigated,’ said V D Satheesan.