Congress Criticizes CM Vijayan for Losing Composure Over Daughter's Investigation

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Congress Criticizes CM Vijayan for Losing Composure Over Daughter's Investigation

Synopsis

On April 10 in Thiruvananthapuram, following CM Pinarayi Vijayan's outburst against media scrutiny over his daughter Veena's investigation by the SFIO, Congress leaders criticized him for losing control. They emphasized the seriousness of the allegations surrounding her IT firm and urged Vijayan to focus on legal matters rather than attacking the media.

Key Takeaways

  • CM Pinarayi Vijayan criticized media focus on his daughter.
  • Veena Vijayan is under investigation by the SFIO.
  • Congress leaders claim Vijayan is rattled by the situation.
  • Opposition emphasizes the need for legal action over media blame.
  • ED to probe allegations of money laundering related to Veena's firm.

Thiruvananthapuram, April 10 (NationPress) A day following Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's outburst against the media regarding his daughter Veena Vijayan, who is currently being investigated by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) over claims that her now-defunct IT firm received monthly bribes from Kochi-based Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) for mining permits, prominent leaders from the Congress party criticized him on Thursday for his loss of composure.

State Congress President and Kannur MP K. Sudhakaran condemned Vijayan for his reactions towards the media.

"It’s clear why Vijayan is acting as if he has lost his grip; he realizes that the situation is dire now that his daughter is caught in a web created by the charge sheet submitted by the SFIO, along with two other national agencies investigating her," he stated.

"Initially, Vijayan claimed that his daughter was not being heard by the investigative bodies. However, with the agencies now collecting statements from both sides (Veena and CMRL), he has changed his narrative. Now he asserts that all taxes have been paid by his daughter’s firm for the services rendered to CMRL. He is clearly unsettled as he understands the implications are not favorable," Sudhakaran added.

Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan remarked that there was no justification for Vijayan to become agitated and direct his frustration towards the media.

"This situation should not be interpreted as having political implications, as the national agencies are proceeding based on documented evidence. Rather than attacking the media, he should confront the case legally, given the serious nature of the accusations against his daughter," he stated.

During a media briefing on Wednesday, Vijayan, confronted with numerous inquiries regarding the allegations involving his daughter, remarked: "All this is occurring because of my position. Our party has echoed the same sentiments. If you have any questions beyond this, I will respond. This case is being emphasized solely because she is my daughter."

In related developments, on Thursday, ED officials appeared in the court in Kochi, where the SFIO has filed its charge sheet against Veena Vijayan, indicating that the ED will also investigate the matter as it pertains to alleged money laundering.