THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister KN Balagopal said that implementation of the Vizhinjam port project is necessary not only for the state but also for the entire nation. He also said that this is the most extensive project in the history of the state. He was speaking after inaugurating an expert meet and seminar organized by the Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) at Mascot Hotel.

"If the construction of the port is stopped, the government will have to face contempt of court and pay huge damages to Adani. Protesters should be ready to obey what the world says. Vizhinjam project is being realized by conducting all the environmental studies," the minister said.

"LDF had raised criticisms when the Oommen Chandy government signed the agreement. Once the agreement is in place, there is no point in criticizing it. The NDA government has not abandoned the projects introduced by the UPA government. Kerala is the state that successfully implemented the world's first PPP model airport. This is the government that has implemented many projects that could not be implemented for a long time. The realization of the port will give a huge leap in infrastructure development. Our small Kerala cannot afford to oppose the project. Kerala's interest is paramount. Those who started the strike based on a misunderstanding should correct themselves," he said.

Minister Ahamed Devarkovil presided over the function. Minister Abdurrahman, VISL MD K Gopalakrishnan, Port Department Secretary K. Biju, District Collector Geromic George and others participated. Experts presented papers related to port construction, technical aspects and environmental issues.

CM did not attend due to health issues, Tharoor wasn't invited
The absence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who was scheduled to inaugurate the seminar, became a hot topic of discussion. A huge media team had camped at Mascot Hotel in the morning to find out what the Chief Minister would say against the protesters. The official explanation is that the Chief Minister did not participate due to health issues. Shashi Tharoor MP's office informed that Tharoor did not attend the seminar as he was not officially invited. However, the Ports Minister's office explained that Tharoor was invited to the seminar.