The Vizhinjam Port project in Kerala, developed by the Adani Group—a major private-sector enterprise—in partnership with the Marxist-led Kerala government, represents a remarkable shift of enduring economic and social significance, particularly for the state of Kerala. While the port itself is poised to transform Kerala into a strategic economic hub, what is equally noteworthy is the evolving outlook of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which currently governs the state. Its pragmatic engagement with private capital signals a broader transformation in its philosophy towards the private sector.

Beyond Dogma

At its core, communist philosophy advocates equitable opportunities and access to resources across all segments of society. Contrary to public perception, communism does not inherently oppose private enterprise. What it condemns is the exploitation associated with unchecked profiteering.

Profit itself is not villainised—even state-owned enterprises must operate viably, which requires earning a reasonable profit. Unfortunately, over the decades, Indian communism has often been associated with hostility and even violence towards private employers. This image was partly shaped by union-led agitations, often seen as legitimate expressions of working-class struggle.

I have personally experienced the darker side of this perception. While working at a senior level in a state-owned chemical industry in Kerala, I was gheraoed and even spat upon by CITU-affiliated union members during a protest—an ordeal I endured for over an hour with no clear reason for being targeted.

Later, while working in a private sector firm in West Bengal during the tenure of Chief Minister Jyoti Basu, I observed a different approach. Basu seemed to recognise that both public and private sectors had roles to play in the state's progress. His successor, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, continued this path and welcomed the Tata Group's proposed automobile project. Sadly, that initiative was sabotaged by political opponents—many of whom now seek to attract private investment themselves, though with little success due to lingering mistrust.

Pragmatic Leadership

Against this backdrop, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan deserves praise for his courageous and forward-thinking collaboration with the Adani Group to realise the Vizhinjam Port project. This initiative is poised to uplift communities across socio-economic strata and could redefine the trajectory of leftist governance in India.

An earlier example of this pragmatism was his effective handling of protests related to the Kochi LNG terminal and its pipeline network. While certain trade unions opposed the pipeline, the Chief Minister resolved the issue proactively, allowing the terminal to now supply gas to both Kerala and Karnataka.

This stands in stark contrast to Tamil Nadu, where protests halted the pipeline’s extension from Kerala into the state. The Tamil Nadu government’s passive stance led to missed investment opportunities. Similarly, one could argue that if the Sterlite Copper project—shut down due to controversial allegations—had been located in Kerala under the current leadership, it might still be operational.

Ideological Turnaround

The commissioning of the Vizhinjam Port under a public-private model reflects a progressive shift in the Indian communist movement without compromising its core values. It demonstrates that modern communism in India can adapt pragmatically while upholding its commitment to equity.Can one then say that the Vizhinjam Port is a symbol of ideological transformation and a turning point for the communist movement in India?

(The author is the founder-director of Nandini Consultancy Centre, Chennai, and a commentator on current affairs. Views are personal. He can be contacted at nsvenkatchennai@gmail.com)