THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government will sign the concession agreement for the `7,525 crore Vizhinjam port project with the Adani Group in the face of stiff Opposition from the LDF, which has decided to boycott Monday’s ceremony.
An-all-party meeting convened by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to iron out differences had proven inconclusive. The LDF leaders have stuck to their stand that the terms and conditions of the agreement are detrimental to the state’s interests. Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan said on Sunday that the agreement was essentially a real estate deal and port development enjoyed only secondary importance. CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said that the LDF leaders will not attend Monday’s function. But the CPM will not stage any protests at the venue, he said.
The Latin Catholic Church, which had threatened to block the project citing the adverse impact on the coastal communities, too have softened its stance following a meeting with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Saturday.
The government has agreed to address the concerns of the fishermen in this belt, after which the church had called of its protests planned on Sunday.
Vizhinjam Accord a Real Estate Deal: VS
T’Puram: The concession agreement on the Vizhinjam port project that the state government is set to sign with the Adani Group on Monday is essentially a ‘real estate deal’, Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan said here on Sunday.
“Vizhinjam port holds only secondary importance in this deal. The top spot goes to real estate business. The government should publicise the other conditions related to the BJP-Oommen Chandy joint venture,” VS told a press conference, adding that the LDF had decided to stay away from Monday’s function on account of this situation.
Timeline of a mega project
■ January 4, 2014: EIA clearance obtained for the project
■ May 8, 2015: Empowered Committee clears Adani’s bid
■ May 13: Board of Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd clears Adani’s bid
■ June 3: CM convenes ‘unsuccessful’ all-party meeting
■ June 10: Cabinet gives approval
■ November 1: Construction to start