Great Nicobar project not about defence but aimed at benefiting one businessman: Rahul

Business To Business, New Delhi, 5^th June, 2026:   Rahul Gandhi on Friday sharply criticized the proposed Great Nicobar Island development project, alleging that the government's stated rationale of strengthening defence infrastructure and building a transshipment port was misleading.
Gandhi's allegations
In a video released after his visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in late April, Gandhi claimed:
"The government's argument that this is about defence and a transshipment port is a lie."
He further alleged that the project was primarily intended to benefit a private businessman through the development of commercial ventures such as hotels and casinos on ecologically sensitive land.
Environmental concerns
Marking World Environment Day, Gandhi framed the issue as a choice between economic development and environmental protection.
In a post on X, he asked:
"What kind of India do you want to inherit?"
He warned against:

• Destruction of tropical rainforests.
• Damage to coral reef ecosystems.
• Displacement of indigenous tribal communities.
• Environmental degradation linked to large-scale construction.

• A transshipment port.
• An international airport.
• Power and urban infrastructure.
• New township development.