Just before attending the official inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, Kovalam MLA M Vincent visited the tomb of former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Friday morning to pay homage. Vincent described Chandy as the true visionary and “father of the Vizhinjam Port,” recognizing his courage in initiating the ambitious project despite strong opposition from the CPM-led LDF.
The visit took place at St. George Orthodox Church in Puthuppally at 5:45 AM, where Vincent lit candles and offered prayers, accompanied by Chandy Oommen MLA, the son of the late leader, and other Congress members. After the brief tribute, Vincent departed for Vizhinjam to take part in the port’s commissioning event.
The gesture comes at a time of heightened political friction over the credit for the Vizhinjam project. Vincent sharply criticized the LDF government for claiming ownership of the port’s success, asserting that Oommen Chandy had already finalized key approvals and fought legal challenges, even approaching the Supreme Court, during his tenure.
Chandy Oommen MLA also weighed in, dismissing the Left’s claim that Chandy merely laid a symbolic foundation stone, calling it a “blatant lie.” He further accused the CPM of attempting to erase Oommen Chandy’s legacy by excluding the Opposition Leader from the ceremony.
Vincent underscored the state government’s failure in fulfilling critical infrastructure commitments. Despite the successful implementation of the port by the Adani Group, he noted that no containers have moved through the port due to incomplete rail and road connectivity, which should have been completed by 2019. He also highlighted the unfulfilled promises of establishing a fishing harbour and seafood park meant to rehabilitate local fisherfolk displaced by the port project.
Although Vincent has been given a seat on the dais, he reiterated his long-standing demand to name the port after Oommen Chandy—a proposal that was flatly rejected by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as “mere wishful thinking.”
The situation adds a political layer to the port’s launch, reflecting not only the importance of the Vizhinjam project but also the enduring legacy of Oommen Chandy in Kerala’s developmental journey.
