Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 15 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V.D. Satheesan, on Wednesday emphasized the alleged political collusion between the CPI(M) and BJP regarding the delays in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) case involving the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s son linked to the Lavalin corruption probe.

“The continuous delays in procedural actions suggest intentional political interference aimed at safeguarding specific interests,” Satheesan remarked. He pointed out that the CPI(M) mouthpiece seems to either overlook or intentionally misrepresent the facts surrounding the ED notice.

“The people of Kerala have witnessed the reports published by Manorama concerning the notice. Initially, the first page was released, followed by the second, despite the notice itself containing three pages. There is no inaccuracy in the report, and the ED has verified the issuance,” Satheesan asserted. He emphasized the need for the Chief Minister to clarify whether the notice was related to the Life Mission case or the Lavalin case.

“The ED has now confirmed that it pertains to the Lavalin case. Questions linger as to why the ED has not taken further actions, even though procedural issues like non-receipt or absences were raised,” the Congress leader questioned.

Satheesan pointed out that the case has been postponed approximately 35-36 times, often coinciding with CBI lawyers citing illness. He suggested that a covert agreement between the two parties is behind these persistent delays.

“The notice, issued in 2023, was succeeded by meetings involving senior police officials and RSS leaders, which were initially denied but later acknowledged,” Satheesan mentioned. He also connected subsequent political occurrences—like alleged disruptions during the Thrissur Pooram festival and attempts to secure a BJP win in the Lok Sabha elections.

According to Satheesan, the ED's actions, or lack thereof, alongside the protection of certain BJP leaders in the Kodakkara black money case, are intertwined with this notice, bolstering his assertion of a CPI(M)-BJP political coalition that undermines justice.

The Opposition leader insisted on transparency and called for immediate procedural actions in the ED case to prevent political interference from eroding the rule of law.