The inauguration of Kannur International Airport started a new chapter in Kerala’s aviation history. In every way, the inaugural event was a grand event. The inauguration was supposed to take place at 10 am. But the airport was filled with people much before that. At least one lakh people attended the function. The placed was filled with an atmosphere of utmost joy. It was a first time experience for many locals. Many hadn't seen an aircraft in their life. There were happy faces everywhere. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in his inaugural speech said that KIAL will serve as an example in the development of North Kerala. Union Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu, who was the chief guest of the inaugural event, shared a similar opinion. Chief Minister proudly addressed Kerala as the only state with four international airports in his speech which signifies the importance of unity. Political parties should forget their differences and should work in tandem in order to achieve development, then nothing will stop the country from achieving greatness. It’s high time that everyone realizes this.

It’s unfortunate that the opposition party do not share the same joy of state government and people regarding the inauguration of KIAL. They boycotted the inaugural function stating different reasons. The party even went to the extent of saying that KIAL was inaugurated two years back during their period of reign. It’s not a sign of greatness to turn your back on a historic event. One party cannot claim all the credit for such a massive developmental project. Development is a subject of continuity. A newly elected government have to carry on the works of the previous government. There is no point in these debates and quarrels over the parentage of such a massive project. Many government officials and politicians have worked behind the realization of Kannur International Airport. It is the result of the combined work of every single one of those we see at Kannur, not one party. Every single one of those people can be proud of their work. We cannot make any less of one’s work and glorify others. Democracy in Kerala follow a strict pattern - governments tend to change every five years. But the system is static. Every government need to carry on the work of their predecessors. In the case of Kannur Airport, the idea was born in the 90s. LDF and UDF took their turns ruling the state. Every government have worked in their own way for this project. When the skies above Kannur saw the first passenger plane take off, all related parties should have been present. The thousands present at the event is not just about numbers. It’s the reaction of the people towards efficient development. This reaction should act as a catalyst for the authorities to be more responsible with their developmental projects.

Vizhinjam is another massive project taking it’s shape. It was started in the last year of UDF government’s rule. If the works were carried out with strict schedule, the first phase would have been already over. At this rate, Vizhinjam Port will be inaugurated by the next government. Arguments will erupt claiming that the project was their child, just like Kannur Airport. Parties should avoid that as it will taint the beauty of the occasion. Time and tide waits for no one. Every government will be evaluated by the people on the good work they do. The opposition parties wouldn’t have had to boycott the inauguration of KIAL had they shown a greater sense of purpose and determination during their reign.