Thiruvananthapuram: Revenue minister A P Anil Kumar has defended chief minister V D Satheesan’s handling of the proposed share transfer in the Vizhinjam port project amid reports of differences within the Congress over the issue. Anil Kumar told reporters on Monday the govt’s official position was already made clear by the CM in the assembly and there was no need for other ministers to reiterate it.“The CM has authoritatively stated that no communication regarding the proposed share transfer has been received by the govt. Once the CM clarifies the govt’s stand, there is no need for every minister to repeat it,” he said, adding that other issues related to the matter could be addressed later.The remarks come amid reports of growing unease within the Congress over the govt’s response to Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd’s (APSEZ) proposal to transfer its 49% stake in Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd (AVPPL), the concessionaire of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, to Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).According to party sources, a section of Congress leaders has raised concerns with AICC general secretaries Deepa Dasmunshi and K C Venugopal, alleging that key policy decisions taken by the CM are not being discussed within the party. Some KPCC office-bearers have also sought the convening of the party’s executive committee to deliberate on the issue.A section of party leaders reportedly views the proposed share transfer, carried out without prior intimation to the state govt, as a setback for the UDF govt. They have called for a stronger response from the state and have demanded a supplementary agreement with the Adani Group to reinforce the govt’s role in the Vizhinjam port project.Satheesan recently expressed the govt’s displeasure over the proposed transaction, stating that the state did not grant approval for the share transfer. He also said the matter would be examined by an empowered committee in accordance with the provisions of the concession agreement.
