Rajiv in mind, Pranab to open base

Mukherjee’s media advisor Ometa Paul denied there were political considerations. She told Express, ‘‘Parliament was in session and it was a very busy session. That is why he could not go. There were a lot of Bills to be introduced, so there was no question of his inaugurating the base on May 9.’’

However, Navy officials affirm that Mukherjee first declined the invitation and then changed his mind virtually at the last minute.

Project Seabird was initially to be inaugurated as early as April by Western Naval commander Vice Admiral Madanjit Singh, after which it was decided that the Navy chief would inaugurate the base, given the size of the base and the critical role it will play in the Navy’s Western seaboard operations.

The delay in the project’s inauguration may amount to just 20 days, but the symbolism is stark for a project that remained in the doldrums because of financial constraints for 13 years after Rajiv Gandhi laid the foundation stone in October, 1986. Ironically enough, it was former defence minister George Fernandes who fast-tracked the Navy’s plea and sanctioned work to begin in late 1999.

Full preparations had been made at Karwar, under the guidance of DG Project Seabird Rear Admiral K. Mohanrao for the May 9 inauguration, and now officials at the base are in a tizzy reorganising preparations for what will clearly by a political event.

A senior Navy officer said, ‘‘About 4,000 families who lived in the area that is now occupied by the base have seen a great upgradation in their lifestyle. They have been supplied with all amenities and given jobs, which some did not have. It will also offer huge employment to civilians once fully ready, a point that has been emphasised many times before.’’