Congress dares LDF government to scrap Vizhinjam project if they suspect corruption

The Congress in Kerala has accused the LDF government of creating a smokescreen surrounding the Vizhinjam seaport project awarded to the Adani Group and dared it to scrap the project if indeed there was corruption.

"The CPM led government is creating a smokescreen of corruption for political gains," PTI quoted KPCC president MM Hassan telling reporters in Thiruvananthapuram after a political affairs committee meeting of the party.

Also read: Vizhinjam deal: Adani Group set to earn Rs 29,217 crore extra, says CAG

The LDF government has already ordered a probe, headed by a retired judge of the Kerala High Court, in the light of the CAG findings but made it clear that it would go ahead with the project irrespective of the controversies. 

"While on one hand the government has raised corruption allegations against the project, on the other hand it is going ahead with it. This shows the government's double standards," Hassan said, raising questions over the LDF's stand.

Also read: CAG report on Vizhinjam deal will be examined seriously: Pinarayi

The Vizhinjam international seaport, a Rs 7,525 crore project, came under a cloud recently after some adverse findings by the CAG. In its report tabled in the state Assembly last month, the CAG has observed that interests of Kerala were not protected in the agreement inked by the previous UDF government with Gujarat-based Adani Group for implementing the project. 

• Vizhinjam port project
• Adani Group
• CAG