‘CPM mouthpiece was first to report Vizhinjam stake sale, will not take any decision harming Kerala’

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister V D Satheesan alleged that the previous LDF government leaked details of the proposed stake transfer in the Vizhinjam Port project to the CPM’s mouthpiece even before the new managing director assumed charge. Addressing media after the cabinet meeting, he asserted that his government would not take any decision that compromises Kerala's interests.

The chief minister also spoke about the recent accident in Wayanad, saying the government has decided to initiate both technical and legal investigations to determine the cause. Reports of a minor landslide near the site will also be examined before any further decisions are taken.

He said the government would verify whether the contractor entrusted with the tunnel construction had complied with the stringent environmental conditions imposed by the Centre while granting clearance. Tunnel construction has been temporarily suspended and will resume only after a comprehensive assessment of potential risks. Separate technical and legal inquiries will be conducted.

On the Vizhinjam Port stake transfer, Satheesan said an empowered committee headed by the chief secretary has been tasked with examining the issue, and its recommendations will be reviewed by the Cabinet. The government will not take any decision that sacrifices Kerala's interests,’ he said.

Our new managing director of Vizhinjam Port assumed office on June 11, while reports about the stake transfer had already appeared in the CPM mouthpiece on June 5. He alleged that the previous government was aware of the proposed stake sale to MSC and is now trying to put the blame onto the present government.

He further noted that the earlier report had credited the LDF government's long-term vision for attracting foreign investment, but it later changed to target the UDF government. He also dismissed allegations linking him to the stake transfer, including claims that he had accepted money in connection with the deal.