Kerala CM Questions Former CM Vijayan on Adani's Vizhinjam Stake Sale During LDF Rule
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Friday demanded that Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan clarify whether the Adani Group had approached the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government regarding the sale of its stake in the Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited (AVPPL).
Satheesan's remarks came in response to Vijayan's recent statements on the proposed sale of a minority stake to the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). The Chief Minister asked whether MSC representatives had participated in the Vizhinjam Conclave organised by the LDF government in 2025. He also pointed to reports published in the CPI(M) mouthpiece on July 1, 2026, which described the proposed sale as an achievement of the LDF government's foresight, and another on June 5, 2026, which mentioned the establishment of an 'MSC terminal' at Vizhinjam.
Satheesan questioned whether these developments could have occurred without the knowledge of the LDF government and Vijayan, who was then Chief Minister. He further asked Vijayan to explain any wrongdoing on the part of the current United Democratic Front (UDF) government regarding the Vizhinjam issue.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government would prioritise Kerala's interests when making decisions on the port. He noted that the government received initial information about the proposed sale on the evening of July 1, 2026. The next day, the state government expressed displeasure to the company for approaching the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) without prior approval. Subsequently, an empowered committee was formed to examine the matter.
Satheesan clarified that the Kerala government is not a shareholder in AVPPL. However, Clause 5.3 of the Concession Agreement requires prior government approval for any stake sale, and Clause 5.8 prohibits monopolisation of the Common User Facility by any single company.
On July 7, 2026, Vijayan had stated that allowing the sale would be detrimental to the state's interests and urged SEBI to examine whether Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited's disclosure complied with contractual and regulatory requirements.
