Withdrawal of Tecom from SmartCity project: Opposition leader suspects land deal, slams Kerala govt

Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan has strongly criticised the state government over the withdrawal of key partner Tecom (Dubai Holdings) from the Kochi Smart City project. Satheesan questioned whether the Chief Minister or the Industries Minister had investigated why the project is in limbo.

He pointed out that the first phase of the project was inaugurated during the final days of the Oommen Chandy government in 2016, with the opening of a 6.5 lakh square feet IT tower. “What has happened there in the past eight years? Was there any coordination or monitoring? Each phase of the project had specific milestones. When those milestones were not achieved, did anyone — the Chief Minister or the Industries Minister — look into the reasons? Nobody investigated,” said Satheesan.

He further questioned the basis for the government’s decision to provide compensation to Tecom after eight years. "There are ambiguities in this matter. 248 acres of  land involved is worth crores of rupees. Is this a covert move to hand over this land to private interests and allies? This appears to be a land deal,” he alleged.

Satheesan also said that the government owes an explanation to the people of Kerala as to why the project failed. “This was a venture that was expected to provide employment to 90,000 people. If the government is compensating Tecom, doesn’t that indicate a failure on its part?” he asked.