‘Vizhinjam Port dream realised by LDF’s resolve over crucial 9 yrs,’ says Kerala CM

Thiruvananthapuram: The Vizhinjam seaport marks the beginning of a new era, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Addressing a press conference, he described it as a gift to every Malayali as the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government enters its tenth year in power. He added that the realisation of the long-cherished dream of the Vizhinjam port was made possible due to the LDF government's unwavering commitment.

“The government is progressing by fulfilling each of the promises made in the manifesto, setting an example for other states and even for the entire country. The past nine years have seen the realisation of many things that were once thought impossible. As the government steps into its tenth year, the commissioning of the Vizhinjam International Seaport is truly a gift to all Malayalis,” he said.

With the commissioning, Kerala will become a major point on the global maritime map, he said, adding that the port signifies a turning point that grants India a key position in global trade and logistics. “This is the dawn of a new era,” the Chief Minister noted. He reiterated the claim that it was the LDF’s determination that turned the Vizhinjam dream into a reality.

“There is no need to politicise the Vizhinjam project. It belongs to our land and our people. We have fulfilled our responsibilities. Just laying a foundation stone does not complete a project — and now, ships are set to dock. Let us remember that this project is not the discovery of this government or the previous one (2011–2016). It is the culmination of a decades-long process, and the past nine years have been especially crucial,” he said.

He added that both the government that came to power in 2016 and the present one took appropriate measures — not to claim credit, but to ensure the state’s progress. “There were many contentious issues related to the project, but the focus was never on those. The government decided to move forward with the project regardless,” the CM stated.

“In Vizhinjam, it’s not going to be a ceremonial boat launch to mark the opening. What is on its way is one of the world’s largest cargo ships,” he said, adding that the public will duly give credit to those who deserve it.

‘Pahalgam terror attack a challenge to humanity’

Expressing his condolences over the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Chief Minister described the incident as “a challenge to humanity” and called for an appropriate response from the Centre.

“The attack in Pahalgam was a cruel act of inhumanity against the country. It is a challenge posed to all of humankind. Regardless of caste, religion, race or nation, every human being aspires for a life of peace, happiness and safety. However, inhuman ideologies like terrorism and communalism attempt to destroy these aspirations,” he said.

‘Courage of Pahalgam victim’s daughter exemplary’

The Chief Minister also lauded the courage shown by the daughter of N Ramachandran, the Malayali who was among those killed in the attack, calling her bravery exemplary.

He urged the Centre to give a fitting reply to the extremist activities that not only claim innocent lives in Kashmir but also endanger national security.

“The nation must be ready to deliver a strong response to such acts. We must unite and build a collective resistance against all kinds of terrorism and divisive propaganda that fuels insurgent forces,” he added.