What Happened Between CPI-M's M.A. Baby and KPCC's Sunny Joseph Over ED Notice to CM Vijayan’s Son?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Political tensions are escalating in Kerala due to the ED summons.
- Accusations of media bias are central to the debate.
- Transparency and accountability are being demanded by the opposition.
- Contradictions in statements from ruling party leaders raise concerns.
- The public has a right to clarity regarding ongoing investigations.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 14 (NationPress) — CPI-M general secretary M.A. Baby and KPCC President Sunny Joseph engaged in fierce exchanges regarding the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons directed at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s son Vivek Kiran Vijayan.
Baby criticized the media for acting as agents of the ED, rejecting claims about the summons, stating he had not validated its receipt.
“The newspaper that initially reported this news suffers from a ‘mental disorder’. A part of the media is merely echoing UDF propaganda,” asserted Baby.
He insisted that once the Chief Minister addresses these allegations, clarity will be achieved.
In contrast, Joseph accused the Chief Minister of leveraging political clout to minimize the significance of the ED summons.
“The summons issued to the Chief Minister’s son was dismissed using political influence. If this isn’t accurate, let him demonstrate otherwise,” Joseph contended, alleging a political understanding between the state government and the Centre.
Joseph emphasized that the notice sought information regarding bank accounts and properties, served at the Chief Minister's official residence.
“When an initial summons is disregarded, the ED typically issues a second. If that is also overlooked, warrants and arrests may ensue. The public deserves to know what transpired. Both the ED and the Chief Minister must provide clarity,” he stated.
The KPCC President also demanded information on whether any follow-up action on the summons is pending or if the case has been concluded, questioning the rationale for any closure.
Pointing out contradictions between Baby’s and Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal’s statements, Joseph remarked, “While the Chief Minister clears his children of wrongdoing, his daughter is embroiled in a money-laundering case, and documents implicating his son are already in the public domain. He cannot refute this,” added Joseph.
These sharp exchanges highlight the escalating political tension in Kerala, with the opposition demanding transparency and accountability concerning sensitive investigations involving the Chief Minister’s family, while the ruling party defends its approach to the situation.