Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has launched a scathing attack on the state government, accusing it of facilitating an illegal deal between the Adani Group and MSC at Vizhinjam port. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the veteran leader also condemned the "hurried" passage of the Finance Bill, which he claimed was designed to grant tax favours to liquor giants.

The Adani-MSC 'Rule Breach'

Vijayan alleged that the Adani Group's agreement with shipping firm MSC violates existing rules. According to the contract, any transfer of shares exceeding 25 per cent requires prior approval from the state government. Vijayan questioned how the Adani Group had the "courage" to bypass this rule and sign the deal on June 29 without such permission.

He warned that if a single shipping giant like MSC controls the port, it could create a corporate monopoly. This, he said, might prevent other companies' ships from docking at Vizhinjam, ultimately hurting the state's revenue. Vijayan alleged that the move was merely the first step towards selling the entire port to new owners. He demanded that Chief Minister VD Satheesan clarify whether the deal took place with the government's secret blessing.

Liquor tax 'smuggled' through House

Turning his attention to the legislative proceedings, the LoP accused the government of "smuggling" a Finance Bill into the Assembly. He claimed the bill was not part of the original Budget schedule and was unexpectedly inserted during the second phase of the session specifically to help liquor companies.

The LoP alleged that Chief Minister showed "unnecessary haste" in passing the bill to provide tax waivers for mild liquor. He specifically named Bacardi, claiming the Chief Minister took a personal lead in granting the company illegal tax relief. According to Vijayan, the government repeatedly misled the Assembly and ignored opposition from religious and community leaders to satisfy "corporate greed".

While the government argued that these moves were aimed at development, Vijayan countered that the state and its people stood only to lose money. He noted that the previous LDF government never granted tax waivers to liquor companies, though it had briefly considered relief only for "hortiwine" produced from local fruits and grains. The LoP added that the government's actions had exposed its "true face" as a protector of corporate bosses over the public interest.