Synopsis
A conflict has emerged between two Communist parties in the ruling coalition of Pinarayi Vijayan's government, revolving around the controversy of his daughter Veena Vijayan's defunct IT company Exalogic. CPI officials voiced their support for the Chief Minister while raising concerns about the political implications of the case.Key Takeaways
- Dispute between CPI and CPI-M over Veena Vijayan's case.
- CPI supports Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, not his daughter.
- State Education Minister criticizes CPI Secretary's remarks.
- Concerns raised about political motivations behind the case.
- SFIO's findings regarding Exalogic's alleged financial dealings.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 12 (NationPress) A dispute has arisen between the two Communist parties within the ruling alliance of the Pinarayi Vijayan administration on Saturday regarding the controversy linked to his daughter Veena Vijayan’s now-defunct IT enterprise Exalogic.
On Friday, CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam declared that the CPI would support the Chief Minister, rather than his daughter. Nonetheless, he affirmed that the Chief Minister’s daughter has every right to manage a business and engage in contracts with other firms.
In response, State Education Minister V. Sivankutty, a close associate of Vijayan, countered Viswam’s remarks, stressing that the appropriate venue for Viswam to express his concerns would have been at the LDF meeting.
“Viswam need not be concerned about the allegations against Veena. She is capable of managing her situation. The case is merely a political maneuver, and the LDF has firmly backed Vijayan. Viswam should articulate his opinions at the LDF meeting,” stated Sivankutty.
The CPI, as the second-largest partner in the ruling Vijayan government, has previously voiced its discontent regarding the “big brother” mentality exhibited by CPI-M and Vijayan regarding governance.
Viswam and his party have shown reservations concerning the implementation of the PM Schools for Rising India initiative, which was deferred during the last Cabinet meeting on April 9.
“What is wrong with a central infrastructure project? Viswam has opposed it, and his comments are reaching a point where he sounds like the Leader of the Opposition,” remarked Sivankutty.
On Friday, state CPI-M Secretary M.V. Govindan stated that the allegations against the Chief Minister’s daughter are merely a conspiracy aimed at targeting the Chief Minister.
“The party stands resolutely behind the Chief Minister against this witch-hunt orchestrated by agencies, certain media outlets, and a few political factions. We will combat this politically,” asserted Govindan.
“I wish to question what occurred with the gold smuggling case when similar allegations were rampant. There was an uproar over it, but today, no one even mentions it. There is a deep-rooted conspiracy unfolding now, and we, the CPI-M, will fully support the Chief Minister,” he added.
Just after Govindan concluded his press conference, news emerged that a court in Kochi, where the SFIO had submitted its charge sheet against the illicit deal involving Exalogic and Kochi-based Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL), had accepted the case, formally registering it after a thorough review of the charge sheet.
The SFIO has discovered that Veena Vijayan's IT company allegedly received a monthly payment of approximately Rs 2.70 crores from CMRL for mining approvals.
Recently, Vijayan reportedly became frustrated when the media bombarded him with questions about his daughter, responding tersely: "You (media) desire my blood, but it won't be easily obtained."
