CPI-M Supports Kerala CM Vijayan Amid SFIO Corruption Inquiry
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Synopsis
The CPI-M Party Congress in Madurai was disrupted as the SFIO named Veena Vijayan, daughter of Kerala's Chief Minister, in a graft case. Despite this, party leaders express strong support for CM Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging political motives behind the timing of the charges.
Key Takeaways
- Veena Vijayan faces allegations of receiving illicit payments.
- CM Pinarayi Vijayan has strong support from CPI-M leaders.
- Political motives are suggested behind the SFIO's timing.
- Protests from opposition parties are imminent.
- This is a historical first for CPI-M regarding such allegations.
Madurai/Thiruvananthapuram, April 4 (NationPress) The ongoing 24th CPI-M Party Congress in Madurai was shocked on Friday when the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) identified Veena Vijayan, the daughter of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, as an accused in a charge sheet. She stands accused of receiving illicit payments totaling Rs 2.70 crore from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) in return for mining approvals.
In light of this development, the CPI-M leadership quickly rallied in support of Vijayan. Prakash Karat, the party’s general secretary in charge, remarked before entering the Party Congress venue, “If the agencies believe they can target CM Vijayan by filing a case against a family member, the party will respond both legally and politically.”
M.A. Baby, a Politburo member of CPI-M and a key contender for the party’s general secretary position, raised concerns about the timing of the charge sheet. “The agency acted while our Party Congress is in progress. This clearly reflects a hidden agenda. The party will respond appropriately,” he stated.
The Kerala CPI-M state secretary, M.V. Govindan, also insinuated political intentions behind the SFIO’s actions. “This case concerns two companies, and the State government has no involvement. Additionally, three Vigilance Courts had dismissed it, and even the Kerala High Court refused to allow a Vigilance investigation last week. There is no evidence against CM Vijayan, and we will challenge this both legally and politically,” he asserted.
Numerous senior CPI-M leaders, including state ministers P. Rajeeve and K.N. Balagopal, along with former minister K.K. Shailaja, expressed their unwavering support for Vijayan.
In the meantime, both Congress and the BJP have announced statewide protests, demanding Vijayan’s resignation.
Veena Vijayan, identified as the second accused in the charge sheet, faces allegations alongside CMRL, Exalogic (a company associated with her), CMRL’s MD Sasidharan Kartha, and others. This incident marks the first instance in the history of CPI-M in Kerala where a Chief Minister’s daughter is implicated in such a case.
The SFIO has submitted the charge sheet to a Special Economic Offenses Court in Kochi, and sources indicate that CPI-M is poised to legally contest it. Attention is now on whether the SFIO will summon Veena Vijayan for questioning.
Veena, who is wed to Kerala Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, has remained silent on the matter, as have CM Vijayan and Riyas.
