’Will Disturb the Sleep of Many...’ With Shashi Tharoor on Stage, PM Modi Takes Potshot at Opposition in the Inauguration Event of Vizhinjam Port

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating the long-awaited Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, delivered a politically charged address that took a veiled swipe at the opposition, particularly the INDIA alliance. Sharing the stage with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, PM Modi used the moment to highlight the strategic and economic significance of the port — and to send a sharp political message.

#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: At the inauguration event of Vizhinjam port, PM Modi says, " I want to tell CM, you are a strong pillar of INDI alliance, Shashi Tharoor is also sitting here. Today's event is going to disturb the sleep of many" pic.twitter.com/UQvFrslWBP

— ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2025

“I want to tell the CM, you are a strong pillar of the INDIA alliance, and Shashi Tharoor is also sitting here,” PM Modi said. “Today’s event is going to disturb the sleep of many.” The comment, seen as a thinly-veiled jibe, drew attention not only for its timing — just ahead of the 2024 general elections — but also for being delivered in the presence of prominent opposition leaders.

A Global Gateway in the Making

Vizhinjam Port, developed as India’s first deepwater transshipment terminal, is expected to boost Kerala’s maritime economy and position India as a major player in global shipping. With its natural draft of over 20 meters and close proximity to international east-west shipping routes, the port aims to reduce dependence on foreign ports such as Colombo and Singapore for container transshipment.

PM Modi emphasized the port’s economic potential, stating, “This is not just an inauguration, but a launchpad for new possibilities. This port will bring investment, generate employment, and establish India’s presence in global maritime trade.”

A Moment Laden with Political Undertones

While the event marked a major infrastructural milestone, the optics and words spoken carried a deeper political resonance. Shashi Tharoor, MP from Thiruvananthapuram, has long championed the project and was seen nodding in agreement during the PM’s remarks.

The reference to “disturbing sleep” is being interpreted as a strategic jab at political rivals, possibly hinting at internal divisions or future realignments in the opposition camp. The presence of both Left and Congress leaders alongside the BJP-led central government only added to the intrigue.

A Strategic Win for Kerala

CM Pinarayi Vijayan called the port a “historic project for Kerala,” while also acknowledging the role of all political stakeholders who had contributed to its realization over the years. The state government has partnered with Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd. for the construction and operation of the port.

The inaugural event was attended by Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Adani Group officials, and local dignitaries, with crowds gathered to witness the formal opening of what is expected to become one of India’s most significant maritime assets.