Thiruvananthapuram, May 2, 2025, In a moment loaded with political subtext, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a pointed remark during today’s grand inauguration of Kerala’s Vizhinjam International Seaport. “Shashi Tharoor is sitting here today,” Modi observed with a smile before adding, “This event will give some people sleepless nights.” The comment, met with knowing laughter from the audience, casts fresh light on the simmering tensions within Kerala’s Congress unit.
The Political Backstory
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Unusual Optics: Tharoor, a four-time Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, personally welcomed PM Modi at the airport despite delayed flights from Delhi – a gesture that sparked social media buzz
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Internal Rifts: The moment comes amid public friction between Tharoor and Kerala Congress leadership, including his recent critique of “leadership vacuum” in state party affairs
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BJP’s Courtship: BJP’s Kerala chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar recently praised Tharoor’s “enlightened” views on foreign policy, fueling speculation
Why Vizhinjam Port Matters
The ₹8,867-crore mega-project, developed by Adani Ports under PPP model, represents:
1. India’s first deep-water transshipment hub
2. Strategic counter to China’s Belt & Road influence
3. Potential to divert 1 million TEUs annually from Colombo/Singapore ports