Kerala: UDF, LDF MLAs lock horns over Vizhinjam port

The ruling UDF and opposition LDF today locked horns in Kerala Assembly over claims of uncertainty and ambiguity in the rehabilitation package for those that are to be affected by the proposed Rs 7,525-crore Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport project.
While seeking leave to bring an adjournment motion on the matter, LDF attacked the government for awarding the construction contract to Gujarat-based Adani Ports and staged a walkout in protest against the alleged indifferent attitude of the government to calls by locals for a clear package.
LDF also termed the foundation-stone laying ceremony for the port, scheduled for December 5, a "political stunt" by the UDF government with an eye on the next Assembly polls.

Countering LDF's charges, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and State Excise Port Minister K Babu said that no one would face hardship due to the project.
They said that a rehabilitation package to the tune of Rs 475 crore has been worked out for aiding those who may lose their livelihoods, land and houses due to the project.
Vizhinjam is a "dream scheme" of the state and "no one can force the government to back track from the project by levelling unnecessary charges".

Babu alleged that the LDF notice for motion by Jameela Prakasam (JD-S) was part of an attempt to sabotage the project since the Congress-led UDF government took the initiative to pursue the goal of starting the port, which was conceived four decades ago.

LDF also used the opportunity to target Babu, who is under a cloud over the bar bribery scam, by staging a protest in the House and raising slogans when the minister stood up to speak.
Seeking leave for bringing the motion, Prakasam, who
represents Kovalam Assembly segment, where the port is coming up, claimed that local people were protesting over it due to uncertainty and ambiguity in the rehabilitation package.
"Nothing is clear as to the compensation to be given to the local people who will lose jobs, lands, and houses," she charged.
Meanwhile, LDF sources said they have not decided whether they will attend the foundation-stone laying ceremony for the project on December 5.

As per the programme, Chandy will lay the foundation stone in the presence of Union Minister for Shipping and Ports, Nitin Gadkari.
The proposed plan was to complete the project in three phases.
The MoU with Adani Group is for construction and operation of the port for a 40-year period, including the construction period of four years.
The port's development was first proposed in 1991 under a Congress-led government.
But the project failed to take off for various reasons till the present Chandy ministry decided to pursue it after coming to power in 2011 and awarded the works to the Adani Group amidst strong protests from the Opposition LDF.