Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala and used the occasion to take a swipe at the Opposition, particularly Congress and the INDIA bloc. Sharing the stage with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Modi said, “Today’s event will give sleepless nights to many.” He described Vijayan as a “pillar” of the INDIA alliance and made a pointed remark about Tharoor’s presence, suggesting that the political optics of the event would rattle many in the Opposition.

Tharoor acknowledges UPA’s role in building Vizhinjam International Seaport

Soon after Modi’s comments, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to X (formerly Twitter) to point out that the Vizhinjam Port project was in fact initiated under the UPA government in 2011. Shashi Tharoor acknowledged this, responding, “I have been recalling your visit, @Jairam_Ramesh, in my interactions with local media on the #VizhinjamInternationalSeaport. Your approval, after due studies of weather and wave patterns, paved the way for what is truly a jewel on our nation’s coastline.”

Congress hits back

The Congress didn’t take Modi’s remarks lightly. AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal slammed the Prime Minister, accusing him of focusing on political attacks even after the Pahalgam terror strike. “Even after the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, our PM remains fixated on disturbing the sleep of opposition leaders instead of confronting the real threat — Pakistan,” Venugopal said, adding, “Our sleepless nights will be spent holding you accountable.”

Tharoor’s balancing act amid party criticism

Shashi Tharoor has been under fire from some within his own party for his perceived leniency towards the BJP. He had earlier praised India’s foreign policy under Modi regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict and recently made headlines for remarks following the Pahalgam attack. Congress leader Udit Raj questioned Tharoor’s loyalty, asking how a Congressman could appear to defend the BJP’s handling of terrorism. Tharoor, however, stood by his statements and emphasised his long-standing commitment to the Vizhinjam project, noting that he has supported it since its inception.

The port’s inauguration has turned into a political flashpoint. Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, V D Satheesan, boycotted the event, protesting a delayed invitation and lack of acknowledgement for the UDF government’s role in initiating the project.