The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday cleared the lone bid by the Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) to build and operate the proposed Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport, even as opposition CPM’s repeated allegations of corruption in awarding of the project.
APSEZ was the lone bidder for the project that had earlier failed to attract bidders’ interest despite repeated tendering.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said concerns raised over the financial model of the project by the opposition during a recent all-party meeting on the issue were also factored in before arriving at the decision in the interests of the state.
“Kerala is a state that has suffered losses due to similar controversies… I’m ready to take any blame as long as this dream project materialises,” Chandy said.
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) Government has maintained that the state’s interests were not being compromised as part of the agreement.
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