Inaugurating the much-anticipated Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stirred a political wave with a light yet pointed remark aimed at the Opposition’s INDIA bloc. The event, held in the presence of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, became a stage not just for developmental pride, but also for subtle political theatrics.
As the Prime Minister addressed the audience, he remarked with a smile, “The Chief Minister is a strong pillar of the INDI alliance, and Shashi Tharoor is sitting here as well. Today’s event is going to disturb the sleep of many.” His comment, though delivered in jest, quickly gained attention for its political undertone. With Tharoor seated beside him, the moment reflected a mix of camaraderie and competitive spirit — a rare sight in Indian politics.
Tharoor, the Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, has occasionally acknowledged the Modi government’s diplomatic efforts, making his presence at the inauguration particularly noteworthy. The friendly exchange between the two leaders — with PM Modi sharing a longer-than-usual handshake and smile — did not go unnoticed and hinted at a complex blend of mutual respect and political divergence.
The Vizhinjam port, developed by the Adani Group at a cost of over ₹8,800 crore, marks a significant milestone in India’s maritime infrastructure. Designed as a deep-water transshipment hub, it promises to enhance India’s trade capacity and reduce dependence on foreign ports. The project’s scale and strategic importance made the event a moment of pride for the state and the nation.
However, political fault lines re-emerged quickly. Congress leader KC Venugopal responded sharply to the Prime Minister’s comment, questioning its basis and suggesting that it might be the BJP that loses sleep instead. “We will sleep peacefully,” he asserted, emphasizing the INDIA bloc’s commitment to challenging the government on key issues like the caste census and the delay in implementing the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Tharoor himself showed graciousness throughout the event. Despite facing flight delays due to issues at Delhi airport, he managed to reach Kerala in time to welcome the Prime Minister. Sharing photos of the occasion, he expressed his pride in being associated with the Vizhinjam project since its inception and looked forward to its future impact.
The inauguration, while celebrating a major infrastructure achievement, also reflected the evolving dynamics of Indian politics — where even moments of progress are interwoven with subtle strategies, competitive statements, and shared responsibilities across party lines. Amid the speeches and smiles, one thing was clear: the road to 2024 and beyond is as much about development as it is about dialogue.
