EP Jayarajan takes a different line on Vizhinjam, says Adani has explained the issue

Kannur: CPM Central Committee member E.P. Jayarajan on Thursday said there should be no controversy over the Vizhinjam port contract, asserting that such disputes would not benefit Kerala. He said those who have raised objections should clarify their allegations, adding that he himself has made no such claims and that the contract conditions cannot be violated.

Jayarajan's remarks come at a time when the CPM has been mounting strong criticism of the state government over the Vizhinjam issue. Responding to allegations raised by CPM Kannur district secretary K.K. Ragesh, Jayarajan said: "You should ask those who raised the objections."

"Let us not create a controversy over Vizhinjam. It is not beneficial to Kerala. There is a growing tendency in the state to create unnecessary controversies. The ruling front, its ministers and the Chief Minister appear to be more interested in creating disputes than in governance," he said.

He added that the state government should focus on ensuring the Vizhinjam port becomes fully operational at the earliest, strictly in accordance with the terms of the contract.

"The government should intervene effectively without deviating from the contract conditions and in a manner that safeguards the state's interests. It is not in Kerala's interest to create controversy in the name of the Vizhinjam port and hamper its operations. Ministers should pay close attention to this issue, and Kerala's broader interests must be protected," he said.

Asked about the corruption allegations raised by K.K. Ragesh and others in connection with the Vizhinjam project, Jayarajan said any such allegations should be pursued by those making them.

"If there are allegations of corruption involving any individual, those concerned should raise them. The relevant ministers and agencies, including the Vigilance department, should investigate such allegations. I have not raised any allegations. It would be better to seek clarification from those who made the claims," he said.

Jayarajan also responded to a question about reports published in Deshabhimani on the Vizhinjam issue and CPM state secretary M.V. Govindan's response.

"There is no confusion within the CPM or the LDF on this matter. The contract conditions cannot be violated. Any change to the agreement can only be made with the approval of both the state and central governments. A contractor cannot unilaterally amend the contract, subcontract the work, or induct new shareholders. That would amount to a violation of the contract. If there is any proposal to do so, prior government approval is mandatory. Adani has already explained these matters. There appears to be no dispute now," Jayarajan said.