The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Rival fronts claim credit for Vizhinjam project

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Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Rival fronts claim credit for Vizhinjam project

Special Correspondent

LDF accuses UDF of trying to mislead people

Alleges UDF game plan to claim undue
credit for the project
Plans to launch campaign to expose the Opposition in 14 Assembly constituencies

Thiruvananthapuram: The defence clearance for the Vizhinjam project has led to an open confrontation between the LDF and UDF, with the rival coalitions claiming credit for the project.

The LDF district committee on Friday slammed the UDF for trying to portray the project as a victory for Union Minister A.K. Antony and Kovalam MLA George Mercier.

Addressing a press conference, CPI(M) district secretary Kadakampally Surendran and other LDF leaders said the project would not have secured the necessary clearance but for the relentless efforts of the State government and Minister for Ports M.Vijayakumar.

Mr.Surendran said the LDF government led by E.K. Nayanar had initiated the development of a port at Vizhinjam in 1996.

“The UDF government later decided to take up the project on a BOT basis only because of the strong pressure and agitation launched by the LDF. Eleven months after receiving an application from the State, the Union government cited the involvement of Chinese companies to deny security clearance for the consortium which won the contract.”

Antony’s role

Mr.Surendran said the government had revived the project, invited fresh tenders and taken steps to provide basic infrastructure.

“The LDF acknowledges the role played by Mr.Antony in securing clearance for the project. But it is surprising that other leaders who have not lifted a finger for the project have now come forward, claiming credit. Flex boards and posters carrying the pictures of Mr.Antony and Mr. Mercier have appeared all over the constituency. This is shameful and condemnable. It is an attempt to mislead the people.” Mr.Surendran said the project would catalyse the industrial and economic development of the capital region.

The LDF district committee will take out campaign rallies in all the 14 Assembly constituencies in the district from September 1 to 14. Mr. Surendran said the rallies would focus on exposing the UDF game plan to claim undue credit for the Vizhinjam project.

Replying to questions, Mr.Surendran said the City Roads Improvement Programme would resume on September 1. “Land acquisition for the project is in the final stages.”

On the High Court Bench issue, he said Mr. Antony should use his clout to get the long-pending demand sanctioned by the Centre.

Asked about the poor performance of the Left Democratic Front in the recent byelections to local bodies in the district, Mr.Surendran said that the district committee would assess the reasons and take corrective action to recover lost ground.

LDF district convener Gangadharan Nadar, CPI leader G.R. Anil, RSP State committee member V.Sreekumaran Nair, Kerala Congress (J) district president Vamanapuram Prakashkumar and Congress (S) district president V.K. Mohanan were present.

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