PM Modi takes a dig at left-ruled Kerala, Shashi Tharoor for endorsing Adani-built port

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took digs at the INDIA bloc, especially the Left parties and Congress at a programme in Kerala where he inaugurated a deep-water seaport in Vizhinjam built by the Adani group which has drawn a lot of flak for its alleged proximity to the Centre. In an ostensible reach-out to the sizable Christian community of the state, Modi also paid homage to Pope Francis who passed away recently.

Addressing a public meeting in Thiruvananthapuram, he said, "I have just returned after visiting the new port. When the people of Gujarat come to know that Adani has built such a nice port here in Kerala -- they have been building ports in Gujarat for the past 30 years but till now, they have not built such a good port there -- then, they will have to be prepared to face the wrath of the people of Gujarat." Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Thiruvananthapuram MP and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor were present on the dais when Modi delivered his speech.

Taking potshots at them, the PM said, "I would also like to say to our CM -- you are a very strong pillar of the INDI Alliance -- and Shashi Tharoor is also seated here... Today's event here will give sleepless nights to many people." He was alluding to Adani building a port in Left-ruled Kerala and the work being endorsed by the state government and a Congress MP. Tharoor has also been in the news for making remarks closer to the BJP and at odds with the Congress' official stand on key issue in the last few days.


After a pause, Modi smilingly said, "The message has gone where it was meant to go."

Condoling the passing away of Pope Francis, he said: "Our Kerala has been a land of harmony and tolerance. St Thomas Church, the first church in the country and one of the oldest churches in the world, was built here hundreds of years ago. We all know that a few days ago a great moment of sorrow has come for all of us. We all lost Pope Francis a few days ago. President Droupadi Murmuji attended the last rites on behalf of India". He emphasised that Pope Francis will be remembered around the world for his passion for service and his efforts to include everyone in the Christian tradition.