'Malayalees view Oommen Chandy as Baahubali, no amount of gold can change that'; Shafi Parambil slams LDF government

KOZHIKODE: Congress MP Shafi Parambil has strongly criticised the Kerala government in connection with the inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, accusing it of hijacking credit for a project with deep roots in previous administrations. In a pointed attack, Shafi said no matter how extensively the current government uses public relations strategies to elevate Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s image, the people still recognise late Congress leader Oommen Chandy as the true architect behind the project.

Using a metaphor drawn from cinema, the MP said Malayalees view Oommen Chandy as 'Baahubali,' the heroic figure, and not Pinarayi Vijayan as 'Bhallaladeva,' a reference suggesting an overhyped and imposed image.

Shafi also took aim at those who had earlier accused the Rs 5,000 crore Vizhinjam project of Rs 6,000 crore in corruption, yet now claim ownership of its success without remorse. He attributed delays in the project—originally meant to be completed in 1,000 days—to the state government’s lethargic handling. Essential infrastructure such as road and rail connectivity still remains unfinished, he added.

The MP stressed that acknowledging the contributions of those who played vital roles in the project is a democratic obligation. “Failing to do so won’t bring down the sky,” he said, “but such recognition was never expected from the current administration anyway.”

Highlighting past instances of exclusion, Shafi criticised the government for not inviting Oommen Chandy to the Kochi Metro inauguration. While BJP leaders like Kummanam Rajasekharan and Rajeev Chandrasekhar were present at the inaugurations of the Kochi Metro and Vizhinjam Port respectively, prominent Congress figures such as former CM Oommen Chandy and current Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan were conspicuously left out. Shafi alleged that this selective invitation strategy was intended to appease the BJP.